WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy - also often called "talking therapy" or just plain therapy - is a process whereby psychological problems are treated through communication and relationship factors between an individual and a trained mental health professional.

Modern psychotherapy is time-limited, focused, and usually occurs once a week for 45-50 minutes per session.

Given the range of procedures that are considered “psychotherapy,” arriving at a complete definition for the word is difficult. The emphasis placed on different components determines the distinctions among the various schools of psychotherapy. Still, it is probably safe to define psychotherapy as a process whereby psychological problems are treated through communication and relationship factors between an individual and a therapist.

While most psychotherapy hinges on communication between the therapist and the individual, it is much more than talking about your problems. While family or friends can help you feel better or even provide good advice for change, this is not psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a professional relationship between a therapist and a client that is based on therapeutic principles, structure and technique. It differs from other relationships in several ways.