Psychotherapy FAQs
What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental and emotional problems through the use of techniques designed to improve patterns in thinking, feeling and behaving. The goal is symptom relief, and improvements in mood, thinking patterns and behavior in interpersonal and vocational functioning, and personality growth. Relationships are often improved following treatment.
What is CBT? Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addiction, depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapy is often short-term and focused on helping clients deal with a very specific problem. During the course of treatment, people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior.
What is psychodynamic therapy? Psychodynamic therapy (sometimes called psychoanalytic psychotherapy) is a type of talk therapy that help patients bring their unconscious (hidden) feelings to the surface. This form of therapy can help patients understand and eventually manage the unconscious feelings that can influence their daily lives. This type of therapy is based on the assumption that feelings held in the unconscious mind are often too painful or uncomfortable to be realized. For that reason, people develop defense mechanisms to protect themselves from actually knowing about, dealing with, or confronting these feelings. Defense mechanisms are patterns of feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that are unconscious. These mechanisms can be either healthy or unhealthy, depending on what they are are and how they are used. They are meant to reduce stress, anxiety, and internal conflict—a way to cope with the world. In psychodynamic therapy, it is thought that many of these and other unhealthy defenses are causing more harm than good, and that is why the patient is seeking help. Psychoanalysis is a more intense approach that traces adult problems back to conflicts left unresolved from childhood. These conflicts play themselves out with other people in adult life, often causing the same problems to happen again.
Will it work for me? Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after several sessions. Like any other treatment approach, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each must decide on their own whether therapy is helpful for them. The initial consultation's aim is to help people think about this, in collaboration with the therapist. Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to help.
Does it mean that I am 'unwell' if I'm in psychotherapy? Regardless of how you were referred, psychotherapy aims to treat people who are having difficulties functioning at home, at work, at school or in relationships. This could be the result of a serious mental illness, or a lack of skill in positive thinking, emotion regulation and behavior modification. The aim in psychotherapy is to look more deeply into the emotions, conflicts and distress behind symptoms.
How long will it take? The length of treatment will be determined by what you are offered following assessment. A brief course of psychotherapy would last about three months, and a course of group therapy or long term individual therapy can last for a couple of years.
How often are the sessions? Sessions are generally one to two times weekly depending on the severity of the circumstances or the motivation with which you would like to address your issues.
How long does each session last? Sessions last 45-50 minutes for individual therapy and 90 minutes sessions are often helpful for couples.
What benefit should I feel afterwards? Research has shown that psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms, improving relationships and self esteem. However, as situations are unique, l it is difficult to generalize at the beginning as to which benefits a person may feel. The process is often as important as the goal.
Does it usually work? A great deal of research has been done in the last few years to demonstrate that psychotherapy is effective. It is important to understand that the "work" is not done to you - but by you and with you. It is a collaborative process.
What can go wrong? Psychotherapy may uncover underlying problems that are not responsive to psychotherapeutic treatment. During the course of treatment it may be tempting to use less helpful coping skills, such as alcohol and drugs, that may have been familiar to you in the past. This becomes a clinical issue and must be dealt with in therapy.
How will I feel during therapy? It is possible that you may feel worse before you feel better, and some people find their psychological distress is reflected in physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains. Therapy requires an uncovering of painful feelings and memories. This can be experienced as a relief but it may also stir up uncomfortable feelings.
How much will I have to do myself? Therapy is an active process. Individuals often report "doing therapy" between sessions.
How will it affect people close to me? Your view of yourself and others may change considerably during therapy. As you change, your relationships will change too - and it can disrupt the equilibrium of current intimate relationships. This is important to understand and you may want to discuss this with people close to you. This is a common experience and needs to be discussed during sessions.
Can I stop if I feel it's not working? It is always possible to leave therapy, and the pressure to remain may seem stressful at times. Often a first positive experience with therapy can set the stage for successful therapy later. It is important to talk about your difficulties before you decide to stay or leave. Ultimately, if you want to stop, it is up to you.
If it doesn't work what else can I do? Looking at why it may not be working is an important part of treatment. However, psychotherapy is only one treatment option and it does not suit everybody. I will make recommendations about referring you to a more suitable form of treatment, if this is likely to be helpful.
What about medication? I will consult with your prescribing physician to determine the best possible course of treatment. Sometimes there is a need to combine medication and psychotherapy over a period of time, and this decision should be discussed by everyone involved.
What do I do in an emergency or crisis? I am available for support during difficult times. As psychotherapy is not an emergency service, you will need to use your normal network of support. This could include family and friends in the first instance, but also other agencies - such as your nearest emergency room, a suicide crisis line or 911, depending on what you need at the time. For high-risk patients, safety plans are part of the treatment plan.
What kind of records are kept? Psychotherapy records contain any questionnaires you have completed and returned, any letters you send and copies of any letters sent to you. There will also be a summary of your assessment and documentation of any contact with other treatment professionals whom you‘ve given me written consent to communicate with. Notes from the process of your treatment, including your attendance and content of the sessions may be kept. If there are details you do not wish to have recorded in your file, please discuss this with me.
What are other professionals involved in my care told about me? I may consult with other colleagues or supervisors regarding the nature of your case, and the necessary details about the therapy will be discussed. This process helps me think about what is going on, and maintains the safety of our therapeutic relationship. I do not disclose identifying information during case consultations.