What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an interpersonal, relational intervention used by trained psychotherapists to aid clients in problems of living. This usually includes increasing individual sense of well-being and reducing subjective discomforting experience. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change and that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family). (Source: Wikipedia.com )

Psychoanalysis was the earliest form of psychotherapy, but many other theories and techniques are also now used by psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, personal growth facilitators, occupational therapists and social workers.

Psychotherapists employ many types of treatment. These include, but are not limited to:

• Psychodynamic
• Cognitive/Behavioral
• Humanistic
• Stress management

While some psychotherapists use one method primarily (or exlusively) I believe in taking a flexible approach --- one that best suits the patients needs and personality. (Definitions of these approaches are are included on the right sidebar of the treatment options page).

As indicated above, psychotherapy can be done on an individual basis, in a group setting or with families and couples.