By Harriett Crosby


A psychotherapist helps cure clients who are suffering from certain emotional or mental disorders, or assists them to efficiently manage their lives in spite of their condition or disorder. The ultimate goal is to help such patients to achieve a higher level of happiness on a daily basis. The therapy usually involves assisting the client to reach a state of mind that is more positive and balanced. Most psychotherapy revolves around counseling and behavioral therapy, and focuses on effective communication with regard to ideas and feelings.

Certain psychotherapists attempt to create more efficient communication channels between themselves and their patience who find verbal expression challenging. When this is the case, nonverbal communication methods are often used. In most clinical practices, basic plans center on two types of therapy: cognitive behavioral techniques and psychodynamics.

Qualified practitioners who possess the necessary skills usually aim to evaluate their clients' psychological issues and tailor their plan of care to those needs. They realize that if the patient is to benefit from the therapy, subconscious resistance must be eliminated. When the patient learns to change his or her thought patterns and behavior, he or she can actively work toward recovery.

Psychotherapy targets various mental illnesses and emotional conditions. Some examples of these include post-traumatic stress syndrome, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, depression, irrational fears and phobias, and panic attacks. Therapy of this kind is also beneficial for those diagnosed with an emotional condition called borderline personality disorder.

It is important for patients to realize that a solitary session is not sufficient to resolve all their problems. In order to fully benefit from psychotherapy, a minimum of 12 sessions are typically required. This is due to the fact that the client must open up to the therapist if anything is to change, and this does not usually happen during the first or second visit.

Even though there is no exact time frame associated with such treatment, 20 sessions are usually needed before major beneficial results are realized. If no noticeable change occurs after that many sessions, other alternatives should be considered. The latter may include extensive behavioral therapy programs or the use of drugs. Most practitioners will make additional recommendations if conventional techniques do not offer satisfactory results.

The aspect of psychotherapy that focuses on behavior and habits usually calls for the patient to complete exercises in the practitioner's office, as well as in between sessions at home. These exercises include relaxation techniques, such as visualization and specific breathing techniques. It is necessary to gradually face emotional problems so that a person can gain freedom from the elements that prevent him or her from experiencing a happy, positive existence.

When the patient starts to feel better and more positive about his or her life, the psychotherapist will typically recommend that the sessions commence. How and when this is done will vary substantially from one individual to the next. If a relapse occurs in the future, a short series of therapy sessions is usually helpful with regard to getting the patient back on track. Those who feel overwhelmed by mental or emotional problems should seek therapy as soon as possible.




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