Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is one method for a person to receive professional help in treating the challenges and symptoms related to their mental health and emotional well-being. Commonly called talk therapy, psychotherapy is an approach to help a person eliminate or assist them in developing mechanisms and coping skills. This allows them to manage the symptoms of their mental health struggles, with the ultimate aim of allowing that person to function better, heal, and thereby increase their emotional and physical well-being.
Who May Benefit from Psychotherapy?
Mental health concerns and awareness of the struggle to cope with the intensity of life’s pain and emotions have become the dominant issues of our time. Therefore, psychotherapy has the potential to help anyone and applies to a wide range of situations. More specifically, psychotherapy may benefit someone who:
- Is experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness
- Feels helpless
- Is anxious
- Struggles to face everyday challenges
- Cannot focus on their work or school
- Is using drugs or alcohol to cope
- Is at risk of harming themselves or hurting others
- Has or is still experiencing abuse
- Has a diagnosed mental health condition
Psychotherapy can help with depression, low self-esteem, and addiction, as well as feelings of helplessness. This kind of therapy can also treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other diagnosed mental health conditions.
You may find your way to psychotherapy after your doctor recommends it to address your issue(s), but alternatively, you can seek help independently. If you are in Boston, psychotherapy is available at Greater Boston Addiction Centers and may well be the first step to living a healthier, happier life.
The Types of Psychotherapy
There are many different approaches to psychotherapy. Finding the style of therapy that works best for you and your individual needs will go a long way toward helping you overcome the struggles you are facing today.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is designed to help you understand and change your thoughts and behaviors. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, you will learn how the way you think through situations, emotions, and challenges affects the way you feel and act.
CBT can help people with many issues, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Low self-esteem
Interpersonal therapy
With this approach to therapy, you will learn new ways to communicate and express your feelings. Interpersonal therapy is helpful to build and maintain healthy relationships because it focuses on teaching you to modify your approach to interpersonal problems and provides you with new, effective ways of managing them more constructively.
Family therapy
This style of psychotherapy may be productive to address problems that have come about from family relationships or if a child is struggling with mental health issues. Family therapy provides a safe space for family members to express themselves, their feelings and build understanding to find solutions to the problems faced within the family.
Group therapy
Usually involving one therapist and anywhere between 5–15 participants with similar struggles, issues, and concerns, group therapy is a method of psychotherapy ideal for those suffering from:
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Substance misuse
There can be a benefit from interacting with a therapist one on one, but also from being in a room with other people who have and are experiencing similar challenges as you. In this way, your group can provide support and accountability, show you that you are not alone, and offer new ideas for facing and overcoming obstacles on the road to recovery.
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