How psychotherapy works

Before booking a session for psychotherapy, you may be curious to know more about what psychotherapy is and how it works. Many are unsure about this, and it is only natural to want to know a bit more about what you are getting into before booking a session. 

These are questions I frequently receive about my work:

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is a recognised method for addressing mental health issues.

Sessions are held regularly, either in person or online, and their duration varies depending on whether they are for individuals, couples, or families. Consistency is crucial for effective outcomes, and the interval between sessions is decided between you and your psychotherapist.

During sessions, you might engage in exercises aimed at tackling your issues, or you might have broader discussions exploring your feelings. The role of the psychotherapist is to

• help you make sense of your experiences, feelings, emotions, needs, and behaviours.

• to bring clarity on when and how the past influences the present.

• to alleviate pain, suffering, and blockages.

• to help you dissolve and replace old relational patterns that are no longer serving you.

• to assist you in building a more meaningful and satisfactory life aligned with your values and integrity.

For more, check out this link!

What is a psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a highly trained professional who helps individuals deal with mental health challenges, personal crises, and relational issues, alleviate their symptoms, and create meaningful and satisfactory lives.

Part of the training to become a psychotherapist involves undergoing extensive personal therapy. This enables the psychotherapist to distinguish between their own issues and those of their client within the therapeutic relationship. It also helps them to self-regulate while maintaining empathy and support, guiding the therapy towards a productive and healing path for the client.

An effective psychotherapist aids their client in discovering solutions that align with the client's values and integrity.

For more, check out this link.

How does psychotherapy work?

Psychotherapy aims to create a safe, empathetic, and confidential environment where clients can delve into their thoughts, emotions, beliefs, behaviors, as well as their core wounds, confirmation biases, relational patterns, and traumas. This process helps them discover more meaningful and fulfilling ways to live and handle life's challenges.

Psychotherapy seeks to reduce the client's stress and suffering while improving emotional and psychological well-being. It frequently results in increased self-awareness, personal development, and more secure and profound emotional relationships.

The relationship between a psychotherapist and their client is crucial for the success of psychotherapy. Typically, the way a client behaves in therapy reflects how they act in their daily life, and an effective psychotherapist will use this to enhance the client's self-awareness and foster personal growth.

Studies indicate that the specific school of psychology a psychotherapist adheres to is less crucial than the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client. Therefore, what is known as a strong working alliance is essential for achieving a successful outcome in therapy.

What can psychotherapy help with?

Psychotherapy can assist with a variety of emotional, psychological, and mental health challenges, such as

• abuse

• addictions

• anxiety

• attachment issues

• behavioural issues

• depression

• eating disorders

• grief and bereavement

• loneliness and social isolation

• major life changes/transitions

• relational issues, including divorce

• stress

• suicidal ideation

• trauma etc.

If you have a desire to better understand yourself, no topic is too minor or too big.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and cognitive therapy?

Psychotherapy is the umbrella term encompassing all categories of talk therapy, whereas Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (also called CBT) is one of several sub-categories of psychotherapy.

While CBT aims to correct negative thought patterns and behaviors, other subdivisions of psychotherapy include existential therapy, humanistic therapy, psychodynamic approaches, and integrative methods.

It's not possible to definitively claim that one type of therapy is superior to others. Although due to its measurable nature, significant funding has been invested in studying the advantages of CBT, other forms of therapy might not have received as much research attention. Nevertheless, as previously noted, studies indicate that the most important factor in determining what benefits the client is the quality of the relationship between the psychotherapist and the client.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

In summary, psychotherapy addresses long-term issues, healing, and growth, whereas counseling is concerned with finding solutions to present problems.

When should you consider psychotherapy?

Since everyone has different thresholds, deciding when to seek therapy is a personal decision. Generally speaking, if you feel

• overwhelmed

• tearful

• low

• emotionally exhausted

• anxious

• stressed

• depressed

• experience significant changes to your eating, exercise, working, substance and alcohol use, and sleeping patterns

• find it difficult to go about your everyday tasks

• can't control your moods and/or your behaviour - like easily getting angry

• begin to isolate yourself

• have thoughts about harming yourself, others, or taking your own life

• or notice that your relationships have started suffering,

  
  

it's time to seriously consider professional support.

Note on couples counselling: I highly suggest that couples seek the assistance of a couples counselor before issues become too overwhelming - the sooner you seek help, the quicker you'll be back on the right path!

How should you choose a psychotherapist?

As previously stated, the key element in achieving a successful result in psychotherapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Thus, when selecting a psychotherapist, besides verifying that the therapist has experience with your specific issues and therapy goals, prioritise finding someone you can trust. This might involve having confidence in their approach and psychological school, or it might not.

Many therapists provide an initial consultation, often shorter and free of charge, to determine if the two of you are a good match. You can book such with me by filling out my contact form.

What to expect from the first session(s)?

Therapists will differ in their methods for establishing a new therapeutic relationship.

At my clinic, as previously stated, I provide a complimentary, non-binding consultation to determine if we are a suitable match for therapy. Should we decide to work together, I will ensure you have plenty of time to share your story and outline your goals, as well as what a successful outcome would entail. Additionally, I will explain my approach and discuss my "house rules" regarding payment, cancellation, confidentiality, and other relevant matters.

I believe that whilst I am the expert on how to conduct therapy, you are the expert on your life. As such, I will never impose anything on you, and I believe that to achieve a good outcome, we need to work together as a team to find solutions that work for you, your beliefs, dreams, and aspirations in life. Only that way can I help you build and maintain a more meaningful, peaceful, and satisfactory life - whether abroad or not.

Additionally, I am committed to regularly assessing our work and am very receptive to feedback—whether positive or negative—regarding what we are doing. The more openness we maintain, the better I can help you!

If you are curious to learn how I can help you, you are welcome to check out my website or to contact me to set up an initial consultation.