About Psychotherapy
The word psychotherapy can be confusing because it describes a wide range of services. Sometimes called therapy, counseling, ”talk therapy,” or analysis, it is the process of working through emotional, relational, and thought-process problems in the context of a relationship with a trained counselor or therapist.
Television and movies have portrayed psychotherapy in a myriad of interesting (and largely inaccurate) ways, but the process of therapy is more than just talking about problems or getting advice. That’s what friends are for! A good psychotherapist will listen, ask questions, and strive to understand you and your life in a non-judgmental way. Then, she will use her specialized knowledge of human nature, personalities, relationship dynamics, and stressors to help you make changes in your life.
While all therapists are unique, and there are dozens of theories behind psychotherapy, what’s most important is to find a “good fit” with your therapist. My style of psychotherapy is client-centered and insight-oriented. This means:
- You and I work in partnership to formulate goals that make sense for you.
- I approach problems with a respect for your choices and a belief in the power of personal change.
- I avoid “quick fixes” that may not have long-lasting effects.
Click below for further reading online:
- Psychotherapies by National Institute of Mental Health.
- Definition of Psychotherapy by WebMD.
- Psychotherapy on wikipedia.org.
- What is Psychotherapy? by the Medical Review Board of About.com.
- Psychotherapy by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on Psych Central.
