What is Therapy?

Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychologist and patient, and the particular problems you are experiencing. There are many different methods I may use to deal with the problems that you hope to address. Psychotherapy calls for a very active effort on your part to reflect carefully on the problems you are experiencing, to be mindful of your efforts at solutions and why they do or do not work, and to be ready to make some changes in your life that may or may not be easy. To get the most from therapy, you should expect to work on these issues in sessions, but also in between sessions at work and/or at home.

Psychological research has shown that most people benefit from psychotherapy.  Research has also shown that people that benefit the most from psychotherapy are committed, work hard to make changes in their life and have a good working relationship with their clinician.  You should be aware, however, that psychotherapy has inherent benefits and risks.  Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience or confront uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have many benefits. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.  But there are no guarantees of what you will experience.

While there is general consensus in the research literature and psychotherapy outcome research that most people are helped and benefit from therapy when matched with the right therapist. 

Therapy is an excellent place to learn more about yourself, identify with your therapist your strengths and weaknesses and your vulnerabilities. The therapy office is also a place where many of the social rules of society don't apply and you are able to discuss matters that many others may find overwhelming or shy away from.  This can include you getting interpersonal feedback from your therapist as well.