Understanding Psychotherapy and Its’ Benefits
How could it help me, my relationships, and my health?
When and why would I need a psychotherapist?
Sometimes, people face challenges in sharing circumstances and feelings with others. For example, some people hesitate to disclose all their personal struggles, for fear of being judged, or misunderstood. Others may feel like they are exhausting their relationships. There are several reasons why someone might consider visiting a psychotherapist.
Some of the most common reasons include: wanting someone to talk to when going through a difficult period of their life; the death or declining health of a loved one; the end of a relationship or change in a relationship: protecting oneself or exiting an abusive situation; work-related stressors; emotional changes; a change in one’s health; a traumatic experience; concern about addictions; a change in a Healthy Living situation, or family dynamics.
Another reason why people might seek psychotherapy services is because they feel they’ve been emotionally stuck, or “sitting “on something awhile. They may feel stuck in life circumstances, or feel like they are repeatedly circling over the same dilemma without any resolution. They may be feeling a sense of disconnection from themselves, and the world around them. Sometimes these feelings manifest themselves as physical ailments.
Finally, people may access psychotherapy because they are noticing disconcerting patterns in their lives. Perhaps they find themselves repeatedly in similar situations or saying the same things over and over again. They might notice others’ offering the same advice, but questioning themselves, or life itself.
How is psychotherapy supposed to help me?
I’ve shared my feelings with other people in the past and am left feeling awkward. What is sharing my feelings supposed to do? What’s the point?
Psychotherapy develops within the context of a unique relationship with a Psychotherapist. Unlike other health professionals whom you might seek out for advice, or a friend, that can lend support and encouragement, a psychotherapist is trained to help you explore your situation by engaging in a unique relationship, built on trust, respect, acceptance and understanding, with a focus on the client.
Psychotherapy is a helping relational process centered on exploring the inner world of thoughts, feelings and choices to develop a deeper sense of self – understanding and personal meaning. A psychotherapist is a co-journeyer in this process, sometimes being able to offer insight, and understanding of particular feelings and reactions such as trauma, while also acknowledging and validating individual experiences.
An increased understanding and awareness of inner feelings, measured against thoughts and values, allows the client to make future choices with more clarity, confidence and freedom. Psychotherapists do this using a variety of approaches.
After an initial intake and an understanding your circumstances, a psychotherapist will usually describe the approach, they will use and can usually describe the benefits and limitations of a chosen approach.
