A Psychotherapist Offers Helpful Treatment Options

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 use nonverbal communication techniques to develop a good professional relationship between themselves and their patients who have poor verbal communication skills. With most practices, cognitive behavior techniques and psycho-dynamics are the two primary therapies offered.

Reputable therapists with the appropriate skills typically aim to evaluate the psychological issues of their clients and tailor the therapy to those needs. They understand that subconscious resistance must be broken down in order for the patient to experience the full benefits of the therapy. When the client learns to change his or her behaviors and thought patterns, he or she can work on becoming whole.

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.

Although there is no specific time frame associated with such therapy, twenty sessions are generally necessary prior to the treatment offering major beneficial results. If there is no notable change by that time, other options should be pursued. The latter may include the use of medication or extensive behavioral therapy programs. Most therapists will make further recommendations if traditional methods do not provide satisfactory results.

The part of psychotherapy that addresses habits and behavior often calls for the client to complete exercises, both in the professional's office and at his or her own dwelling in between sessions. These exercises may involve visualization, breathing techniques, and other relaxing activities. Emotional problems must be faced gradually in order to enable the person to gain freedom from the elements that are prohibiting him or her from living a happy, positive life.

When the patient starts feeling more balanced and positive with regard to his or her life, the psychotherapist will likely recommend that the appointments commence. This, of course, will vary substantially from one person to another based on each client's individual circumstances. In the future, if the person experiences a relapse, a few treatment sessions are generally helpful in order to get him or her back on track. Those feeling beset by mental or emotional issues are wise to pursue professional help immediately.




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