What is Psychotherapy and How Can You Benefit From It?
If you have never received psychotherapy treatment by a trained provider, you may have a “Hollywood” perception of what a therapy session entails. Most picture the chaise leather chair to lay on; a dark, smoke filled room from the therapist’s pipe tobacco, seemingly confusing validation as the therapist nods their head up and down over a leather-bound notebook, hearing the words “how does that make you feel”, and endless questions surrounding your relationship with your mother.
While Hollywood may have presented their view of what psychotherapy is, it is seldom the picture painted on the big screen. In fact, the therapeutic process has shifted over the decades. The therapist with the pipe-tobacco is not reality. In fact, in modern psychotherapy, you- the client, are viewed as the expert in the room. This would make sense, because no one knows you better than, well… YOU! Our role as psychotherapists is to open doors, provide guidance, and create opportunities to support you in learning and achieving the appropriate tools necessary for you to overcome your struggles. We like to refer to this term as “adding tools to your toolbox”.
What exactly is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy, also referred to as “therapy” for short, is the term used to describe therapy conducted within a mental health setting, placing emphasis on the psychological needs rather than the medical needs of an individual, couple, or family system.
To help you to develop a better understanding of the therapy process, we have compiled a list of the top five things therapy is to us.
1. Therapy is more than just talking about your feelings.
Therapy, good therapy, is SO much more than talking about how you are feeling today. It is diving deep and uncovering where the feeling originated from, the thoughts surrounding the emotion, how we are physically responding to the emotion, and what is preventing the feeling from moving on. Therapy is a mind, body, soul experience connecting our entire body to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
2. Therapy is a challenging experience.
As a therapist, we frequently tell our clients, “you are going to have to get uncomfortable to get comfortable”. The truth is, good therapy is challenging. If therapy was easy, more people would see a therapist and discuss their current struggles. However, therapy can be difficult, and it should be. As a therapist, we will never challenge or push you more than you are able to tolerate; however, we do challenge you because we see your potential and want you to see your potential as well. We understand how difficult it can be to engage in conversation regarding your problems and fears to a complete stranger. We keep this in mind throughout the therapeutic relationship, taking the time and energy to form a positive working relationship based on trust and understanding.
3. Therapy does not need to be a life-long commitment.
One of our favorite things to do during the first one to two sessions with a new patient is create a “problem list”. This list allows for us, the therapist, and you, the client to develop a common understanding of the issues which are pertinent to you at this time in your life. In doing so, we can shorten the amount of time spent in therapy by working through items on your list.
It is important to keep in mind, the progress made in therapy relies solely on your motivation to address and change the items on your “problem list”. While we therapists can guide the process, we will not work harder than our clients. It is not because we do not care, but because we care A LOT! Therapy is about you. If your therapist is working harder than you, then it is no longer about you and your struggles, it becomes about your therapist.
No one wants to be in therapy forever; as your therapist, we understand that. In creating a “problem list”, we can identify the concerns you currently have so they can be fully addressed. If down the road, an item you chose not to place on your “problem list” is ready to be addressed, you can return to therapy and continue to process and work through those issues.
4. Therapy is eye-opening.
To say therapy is an eye-opening experience would be an understatement. When we really give ourselves to the therapy process, we discover parts of ourselves we either did not know existed or had been hiding behind the curtain for years. In therapy, you explore and discover your whole self, which from the therapist’s chair, is a beautiful experience. When we see the “ahh-ahh” moments in our patients, we feel a sense of pride for them because they are beginning to re-discover themselves– their whole selves.
5. Therapy is absolutely worth investing in.
Therapy takes a commitment from both you and your therapist. Together, you mutually agree on a treatment plan, goals, objectives, and how to meet those goals and objectives. Therapy is an investment; not only financially, but with your time, your emotions, your thoughts, and your behaviors. If you are willing to give yourself the care and love you deserve (because you do deserve to take care of yourself), therapy is one of the most rewarding experiences for those struggling with their mental health, their relationships, their marriage, their job, their finances, and other daily life challenges which can cause us to feel inadequate.
There are many forms of psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Grief Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and EMDR Therapy to list a few. If you are struggling with something in your life there is a form of therapy and a qualified psychotherapist for you.
Psychotherapy, in essence, is a form of help and guidance to validate and support change. It is empirically supported and evidence-based to help those who struggle with their mental health. It can help you not only better understand your mental health, but also define and reach your goals, overcome fears, past trauma, develop positive coping skills, and end destructive habits.
One of the best and most important aspects of psychotherapy is to know you are not in it alone. When you begin therapy you enter a working partnership. Sometimes, taking that first step is the hardest. If you feel you may benefit from therapy, but are unsure what steps to take, research your local resources. There are many practices that support low income individuals and families on a sliding scale fee and those who only accept certain types of insurance. As social workers, and therapists, if we can portray any message about psychotherapy, it is to take the plunge. If you are struggling, seek help. Sometimes the first step is empowering enough to create the change you have been seeking.
Remember, No one is you, and that is your power (Dave Grohl).