NEW TO PSYCHOTHERAPY?
01/ WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is a scientifically validated treatment delivered by a mental health professional. Psychotherapy is not about having someone tell you what to do.
It is an active collaboration between a psychologist and her client. When the client finds him or herself with an objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental professional, they often feel supported to explore the origins and current presentation of their current difficulties .
For some, simply being able to speak freely about the struggles for the first time brings initial relief and clarification. Subsequently, the psychologist and the client will work together to make sense of the past, explore alternative ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in the here and now.
02 / DO I NEED PSYCHOTHERAPY?
The answer is often not clear cut because we all have days when we are down, stressed or anxious (or all of the above!)
Some people seek therapy because they have felt depressed, anxious or angry for a long time. Some may want help for a chronic illness that is interfering with their emotional wellbeing. Others may have short-term life challenges they need support in navigating through, such as a divorce, job loss, feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grief after a loved one's passing.
However, anyone who is seeking to understand themselves better or have the desire to change their ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving will benefit from therapy.
03 / WILL IT HELP ME?
When people begin psychotherapy, they often feel that their distress is never going to end.
According to the American Psychological Association (2017), hundreds of studies have found that psychotherapy helps people make positive changes in their lives. Reviews of these studies show that about 75 percent of people who begin psychotherapy reap benefits such as better emotional expression, improved work or school performance, enhanced interpersonal relationships and personal wellbeing.
04 / ARE THRE ANY RISKS?
For psychotherapy to be effective, you will need to be open about your private thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Also, since psychotherapy involves discussing your personal challenges, it can often elicit uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, and loneliness.
Although this can be a nerve wrecking process, your psychologist will support you and you can be assured of confidentiality, except in the most extreme situations.