You might have heard of the term “psychotherapy” before, but you might not be entirely sure what it means. Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that can help you manage your mental health. It’s a process that involves talking with a trained professional about the things that are going on in your life.

During psychotherapy, you will learn different ways of thinking and coping with challenges. You will also have the opportunity to explore your feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. This type of treatment can help you make positive changes in your life.

What Does a Psychotherapist Treat?

Psychotherapy is a highly effective tool in the treatment of various psychological issues, including:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depressive disorders

• Eating disorders

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Personality disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Psychosis

• Substance use disorders

Mental health conditions are often complex, and there is not always one single cause. Psychotherapy can help you understand the different factors that contribute to your mental health condition. It can also help you develop skills to cope with symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Types of Psychotherapy

There are many different types of psychotherapy, and each type uses its own unique approach. Some common types of psychotherapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This type of therapy focuses on helping you identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

This type of therapy focuses on helping you manage intense emotions and improve your relationships. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

This type of therapy uses eye movements while you process traumatic memories to help you heal these traumas and reduce distress in your daily life.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

This type of therapy focuses on helping you understand and change the patterns in your relationships that are causing distress. 

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding the roots of your emotional issues, helping you understand how your early experiences with family and friends influence your current thoughts and behaviors. 

Solution Focused Brief Therapy

This type of therapy focuses on helping you find solutions to specific problems in your life. This is a short term approach focused on achieving a goal established by a psychotherapist and their client.

Systemic Family Therapy

This type of therapy focuses on helping families or couples understand how they interact with each other and improve their relationships.  

How Long Does Psychotherapy Take?

The length of time that you participate in psychotherapy depends on many factors, such as the severity of your symptoms, the types of issues you’re dealing with, and how well you respond to treatment. For some people, psychotherapy may only last for a few weeks or months. For others, it may last for a year or longer.

Many people participate in psychotherapy for a specific period of time and then stop when they reach their treatment goals. Others continue to participate in psychotherapy even after they’ve reached their goals because they find it helpful to have a psychotherapist to talk to about their thoughts and feelings on a regular basis. The decision about whether or not to continue with psychotherapy is something that you can discuss with your psychotherapist. 

Making the Decision to Talk to a Psychotherapist

is a powerful tool for treating mental health issues and helping people make positive changes in their lives. Ultimately it’s up to you whether you choose to go to therapy in the first place, however having someone to talk to about thoughts and feelings on a regular basis can be incredibly beneficial for many people. If you think that psychotherapy might benefit you, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance today!

Dr. Steven Ingram

If you're looking for help managing difficult emotions, improving your relationships, understanding the root of your emotional issues, or finding solutions to life's problems, Dr. Steven Ingram is here to help. As a certified psychotherapist with years of experience, he can provide evidence-based techniques and tailored advice that can help you create lasting change in your life. Contact Dr. Steven Ingram today to get started on the path toward emotional wellbeing.