What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy (or as it is sometimes called counseling or talk therapy) is a relationship process focused on helping a person (called a client) who seeks out a counselor to assist them in seeking relief from a painful situation like a death or divorce.  A counselor will work with an individual, couple, family or group to help make a positive change in their life.

Psychotherapy is both science and art.  It is an opportunity for an individual, couple, or family to talk about what is happening in the present.  The therapist joins them in this process and facilitates new ways of understanding and relating with self, other and God.  In talking together we can learn new ways that in turn can lead us to deeper self understanding and better relationships with others and the world around us.

The focus of the change is on is on the healing or growth desired by those receiving the counseling (referred to as clients).  A goal is to help people to recognize and accept their own internal worth. 

This process enables clients to express themselves in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment.  Having a safe environment will allow the client to identify, sort-out, and clarify their problem laden "stories" and identify non-helpful patterns of behavior or relationships.

The focus then becomes to learn, when appropriate, more helpful coping skills and identify and achieve goals that are important to them.

The client decides what will be the focus of the work in counseling.  It is helpful if you are ready to focus on a specific problem or issue.  This preparation will enable the client and the counselor to make the best use of their time.  It is also very important to tell your counselor if you don't think you're being helped.