What is Psychotherapy?

 

     Psychotherapy is a process by which an individual, family, group, or couple pursue growth and healing while utilizing a relationship with a formally trained therapist who assists and guides that process.  The therapy may also address problematic moods, thoughts, and behaviors, and interpersonal problems.

 

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Common issues psychotherapy addresses include the following:

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•  Stress

 

• Grief

 

• Social Isolation

 

• Mild to Moderate Depression

 

•  Anger

 

•  Anxiety

 

•  Shyness

 

•   Loneliness

 

•   Discouragement

 

•   Relational problems

 

 

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Are You or a Loved One Considering Therapy?

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Consider these questions:

 

•   Does the idea of therapy interest you or turn you off?

 

•   Do people you know speak positively or negatively about therapy?

 

•   What do you know about the training of counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and how they    may be differently equipped to provide talk therapy?

 

•   Do you think it is wise or selfish to work on personal growth?

 

•   Have you ever paid for coaching, mentoring, or personal training?

 

•   Do you know what psychotherapy can provide those churches, self-help groups, and seminars generally cannot        provide?

 

Consider these common myths and misperceptions about therapy:

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    If so, there are some things you should know about psychotherapy.  Because of the personal nature of emotional experience, and the many ideas about therapy portrayed in TV and movies, there are many myths and misconceptions about therapy and psychiatric treatment:

 

Myth:

“One should look to their family, friends, and church for help. “ 

 

    Family, partners, friends, churches, and social groups have an essential and healthy role in our lives.  However, it is rare for persons in our culture to find a friend or companion who can provide all they need for emotional healing.  Even good friends may conceal or deny vulnerabilities and protect their position in friendships by “not dealing” with big issues.  

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    Informal and formal coaches are sometimes astute and life changing.  It can also be the case that growth and healing are less focused and efficient due to the absence of adequate formal training, insufficient mentoring, or limited life experience.

 

    Many find that by consulting with an expert, they are able to access the necessary confidentiality, safety, boundaries, intimacy, knowledge, and practice that they need.  They can look to therapy for intense, focused attention to the issues important to them.

 

 

MYTH:

“Weak people need therapists or medications.”

 

    In fact, hurting people have had to be incredibly strong and courageous to endure their history (negative family or social environment, or severe losses), or their illnesses, as well as to seek help.

 

 

MYTH:

“Therapy is a crutch”

 

    Therapy is more like a training forum with an able coach provided.  It may be true that the therapist provides some support, and some healthy and appropriate dependency develops initially.  But over time, therapy fosters strength and independence.

 

 

MYTH:

“It costs too much.”

 

    Most people in therapy consider therapy a very personal and efficient investment in a happier, more productive, more effective, and more content life.  Even corporations and professionals seek therapy and therapy-related training to optimize their performance.  When insecurities, distractions, problematic interpersonal habits or moodiness improve, so do work and social performance!  It is COSTLY to live an unexamined life, or to make disastrous choices in work or relationships, or to not develop internal disciplines and healthy external boundaries.  Therapy is an investment of time and resources.  With hope of exponential gains!

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IS YOUR MOOD STUCK IN LOW GEAR?

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Different people use the word “depression” to mean different things.  Sometimes, depression simply means “sad” or “disappointed” …an emotion that is understandable, common and usually short-lived.  The experience of grief can be a longer sadness but is seen as a normal response to a deep and meaningful loss.  When a person feels persistently sad for no clear reason or reacts with sadness out of proportion to his or her circumstances, it may be because the person is having an episode of major depression.

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