Psychotherapy: what it is, what it is for, types and how it is done

Psychotherapy is a set of psychological strategies and techniques that can be used on people who seek to deal with their emotions and feelings in a positive way, in addition to reducing and/or treating symptoms, disorders and mental illnesses. Depending on the objective, there are several types of psychotherapy, but they must all be carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The duration and type of therapy used will depend on the symptoms, severity of the situation, personal needs and desires of the person. Often, to help with therapy, pharmacological monitoring by a psychiatrist may also be advised, who may recommend the use of medication.

Psychotherapy is not counseling and does not seek to provide direct answers to personal questions, but rather to develop tools and strategies that help the person resolve their personal problems and restore psychological and social function.

What is it for

Psychotherapy can be carried out on people who do not have any type of psychological disorder, as it can be a good tool to help resolve conflicts, relieve stress and anxiety, cope with the death of a loved one, recover from trauma or assist in the negative feelings caused by the diagnosis of other diseases, such as cancer or diabetes, for example.

However, psychotherapy is also very useful in treating various mental health problems, such as:

• Anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder;
• Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder;
• Addictions, such as alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction or compulsive gambling;
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia;
• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder;
• Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

In some cases, psychotherapy can be complemented with psychiatry to prescribe medications that help alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression, for example.

How it is made

Psychotherapy can be given to adults or children and can be carried out individually or in a group, such as family, co-workers or friends. The number of sessions required should always be indicated by the therapist, based on the symptoms presented and each person’s goals.

Generally, psychotherapy sessions are held in the psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s office and last between 45 and 60 minutes. However, in cases of couple, family or group therapy, this time can vary and reach up to 90 minutes.

In most individual therapies, the person sits in an armchair facing the therapist, but there are also other types of therapy, such as psychoanalytic therapy, in which the person lies down while the therapist sits behind, to the side or in front. .

Types of psychotherapy

There are several types of psychotherapy, depending on the objectives and techniques used:

• Cognitive-behavioral: consists of changing the person’s thinking in relation to a certain situation, with the aim of transforming negative behaviors and feelings;
• Psychoanalytic: seeks to understand consciousness and unconscious feelings, helping to resolve internal conflicts;
• Humanist-existential: seeks personal development and self-realization through human values;
• Psychodynamics: consists of the idea that behavior and mental well-being are influenced by childhood experiences and inappropriate thoughts or feelings that are in the unconscious;
• Interpersonal: aims to solve relationship problems, improving the way of dealing with other people;
• Behavioral dialectics: is based on teaching ways to resolve emotions that are harmful to the person.

Psychotherapy can also be divided according to the number of patients undergoing treatment, which can be individual, family, couple or group.

There is also psychoeducation psychotherapy, which is aimed especially at people with illnesses such as hypertension or diabetes, and which helps people understand a little more about their illness and how to deal with it.

Why do psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an important resource in psychology that promotes self-knowledge, improves quality of life and stimulates physical and emotional well-being, helping people to control their emotions and deal better with the environment.

Psychotherapy sessions are always confidential and free from personal judgments, so the person can feel comfortable expressing their feelings without fear of judgment.

Psychotherapy results

The results achieved with psychotherapy depend on the person’s commitment to changing the situation that produces their symptoms and discomfort, in addition to the type of therapy they use. Therefore, it is very important that psychotherapy is always guided by a professional in the field, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who will determine the best type of therapy according to personal objectives, as well as the duration of the sessions.

Some factors that prevent a good result from psychotherapy are the person’s lack of interest in improving, a bad relationship with the therapist, poor technique and the type of psychotherapy used. Therefore, if no results are observed, it is recommended to seek a second professional opinion.