10 questions about psychotherapy

‘Everything is possible to take away from a man except one thing: the last of human freedoms, that of choosing his own attitude under any given circumstance, that of choosing his own way.’ Viktor Frankl, Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist.

1. What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a therapeutic process, guided by a professional, that promotes psychic change through behavior, thoughts or affects. Its objective is to alleviate suffering and favor the development of the person and his or her bonds, so that he or she can face future challenges. It is guided by a professional who uses different scientifically proven procedures.

2. What is the difference between psychiatry and psychology?

The complexity of human beings requires a biopsychosocial approach to their problems.

Psychologists or psychiatrists are highly trained professionals.

  • Psychology is a discipline of science that deals with the study of people’s mental processes. One of its branches, clinical psychology, studies and helps people with problems to lead their lives in a healthier way.
  • Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that in addition to psychotherapy can use, if necessary, other treatments such as pharmacological, improving the effectiveness and prognosis in some cases. It also deals with the diagnosis of symptoms or mental illnesses, discarding and treating other somatic pathologies that may produce similar symptoms.

3. In which cases is psychotherapy recommended?

When there are psychic problems that prevent the person from having a physical, mental or social well-being. These may affect one or more areas such as work, rest, food, projects, health, entertainment, quality of life… Difficulties in social relationships such as partner, family or friendships. Traumas or difficulties in facing or overcoming a critical situation in life, in the elaboration of grief (separations, deaths, emigration), stress or difficulties in personal development.

When there is an “emotional pain”, in the form of fear, panic, low self-esteem or hopelessness…

When symptoms or disorders appear such as:

  • Mood disturbance such as depression, dysthymia, adaptive disorder, bipolar disorder, emotional instability.
  • Anxiety: panic disorder, phobias, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, hypochondria. Fears and phobias.
  • Difficulties in self-control: emotional, kleptomania, compulsive shopping, anger management or procrastination.
  • Addictions: alcoholism, gambling, work or internet.

4. Are there different types of therapy in psychotherapy?

There are several therapeutic approaches based on theoretical perspectives that act as a roadmap for the psychotherapist to understand their patients and their problems, as well as to create solutions.

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Among the main psychotherapeutic approaches we have:

  • Behavioral psychotherapy: understands psychological problems as the result of biographical learning. It uses functional analysis to identify the antecedent conditions as well as the consequences of behaviors related to symptoms.
  • Cognitive psychotherapy: emphasizes the change of problematic cognitive patterns such as negative automatic thoughts and, ultimately, the dysfunctional beliefs or schemas that are at the basis of these.
  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy: it is directed to the restructuring of representations, predominantly through the perception of one’s own mental states and processes.
  • Family or systemic: emphasizes communication and the rules governing the family system that interfere with adaptation to changes and stressful events.
  • Integration: takes from all of them what is most useful, applying the most appropriate and effective to each person and problem, adapting to their needs.

5. How long does a treatment last?

The duration of treatment is adjusted to individual needs. It depends on many factors such as the characteristics of the case, severity, time of evolution and response to treatment.

There are studies that show that 50% of patients in psychotherapy can improve in eight sessions.

6. How can I get the most out of psychotherapy?

The person is the protagonist of the process. We need their contribution to establish the goals of the treatment and their activity between sessions (such as tasks or exercises to apply in their daily life) which have a great impact on the results of the treatment.

7. Can medication be useful?

Psychotherapy may be sufficient for treatment, but sometimes it is necessary to add medication to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

8. How do we know if we are making progress?

If we achieve the objectives related to biopsychosocial well-being proposed at the beginning of the therapy.

9. Is psychotherapy really effective?

Science confirms that psychotherapy helps people make positive changes in their lives. Studies show that 80% of people who have undergone psychotherapy feel better at the end of their treatment.

10. How to consider the first appointment?

The idea of contacting a therapist may cause you anxiety. This is quite understandable and common. However, having the courage to overcome those worries and make the call is the first step in the process of taking charge of your life to feel better. Just the act of planning and making the call can bring you relief and set you on a more positive path.
Go with an open mind and honesty to take advantage of this opportunity to get to know yourself. At the end of a few sessions you may have a new perspective on your problem, a plan of action and a new sense of hope.