What is psychotherapy? Shall we talk about it simply?

Sometimes when problems arise in our lives, we feel a great burden on our hearts, don't we? Some things seem difficult to solve on our own. There are times when we feel like we can't even tell a friend or family member. At such times, we are talking about a way to talk about what is on our minds, to make up our minds, and to get help to find the strength to face problems. This is what is called psychotherapy in medicine.

Simply put, what is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is, simply put, "talk therapy." It involves talking about your problems, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors with a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) who has been specially trained in this field.

This isn't just like talking to a friend. These professionals not only listen to you, but they also help you understand the root causes of your problems, identify your thought and behavior patterns, and provide the guidance and strategies you need to overcome them and live a healthier life.

Think about it this way. You have a problem,

• Relationship problems: Problems often arise with family members, spouses, or people at the office.
• Loss of a loved one: The overwhelming grief that comes with the death of a loved one is unbearable.
• Life changes: It's hard to get used to a new job or a new place.
• Stress: I am unable to cope with the pressure of work and household chores.
• Coping with a medical condition: It can be difficult to adjust to living with a disease like diabetes or cancer.

Not only for these things, but also for diagnosed mental illnesses, psychotherapy is a very important treatment method. Sometimes it is done in conjunction with medication, and sometimes this treatment alone is sufficient.

Do these words mean the same thing? (Psychotherapy, Counseling, Therapy)

Yes, this is a problem that many people have. In everyday conversation, we use words like "therapy" and "counseling." All three of these words often mean the same thing. That is, talking to a mental health counselor to solve problems.

But there is a small difference.

• Counseling: This is usually short-term. It is most often used to find solutions to a specific problem (e.g., a marital problem, a problem at work).
• Psychotherapy: This is a little more in-depth. It can often be long-term. It looks for the root causes of problems and treats mental health conditions.

However, there's nothing wrong with using these words interchangeably. The important thing is to seek help when you need it.

What are the main types of psychotherapy?

There are many different methods and approaches to psychotherapy. The therapist will choose the method that best suits your situation and needs. Sometimes a combination of methods is used. Let's look at some of the main types.

Other helpful treatments

In addition to these main methods, sometimes these can also be added:

• Animal-assisted therapy: A method of using animals, such as dogs and horses, to provide comfort and aid communication.
• Creative arts therapy: Helps you express your feelings through activities such as drawing, dancing, music, and writing poetry.
• Play therapy: This is especially for young children. Children have difficulty expressing their feelings in words. This helps them understand and resolve their problems and fears through play.

Who needs psychotherapy? Do you feel this way too?

In fact, psychotherapy is not just for people with mental illness. Anyone who is struggling with life's challenges, experiencing high levels of stress, or having difficulty adjusting to life's changes can benefit from it.

If you're feeling these things these days, maybe psychotherapy could help you:

• If you spend most of the day feeling unhappy, sad, or hopeless.
• If you no longer have any interest in doing things you used to enjoy (watching TV, talking with friends, hobbies).
• If life's problems have become a huge burden on your mind and you are so confused that you can't even do your daily tasks properly.
• If you can't control your emotions (anger, sadness), and get very angry or cry over even the smallest things.
• If you constantly have disturbing thoughts, if you keep thinking about the same things and feel sad.
• If there has been a major change in your eating or sleeping patterns (either not eating at all, or eating too much. Either not sleeping at all, or feeling sleepy all the time).
• If some habits (drinking, gambling) have become addictive to the point of harming your life.
• If you have no confidence in yourself, if you feel like you are not worthy.
• If you constantly have problems in your relationships with others.
• If you try to stay away from society and be alone.

How do you find a good therapist?

This is the most important step. Finding someone you can trust, someone you can talk to openly, and someone you can trust is crucial to the success of your treatment.

1. Ask your doctor: The best and easiest way is to ask your family doctor (GP) about this. He or she will be able to provide you with information about a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist in your area.

2. Ask trusted people: You can ask a friend or family member you trust.

3. Make sure of qualifications: Check to see if the person you choose has state-approved qualifications and licenses in this field.

4. First meeting: When you first meet, see if the therapist feels comfortable talking to you and if they listen to you well. If you don't feel comfortable, don't hesitate to meet someone else.

How does this treatment process happen?

Psychotherapy is a safe, confidential environment where you can talk about anything on your mind without any judgment.

• Trust: The trust and relationship between you and your therapist is very important. It can take some time to build that trust.
• Active participation: This is not just something the therapist does. You also need to be an active participant. You need to be honest about your feelings and thoughts.
• Confidentiality: This is very important. What you discuss with your therapist is strictly confidential . Their professional ethics require that confidentiality be maintained.

However, there are a few instances where this confidentiality is violated, either for your own safety or that of others.

• If you say you are planning to harm yourself.
• If you say you are planning to harm someone else.
• If you disclose abuse of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.

They have a legal responsibility to inform the relevant authorities in such cases.

What to do in an emergency?

This is very important. If you ever feel like harming yourself or having thoughts of ending your life , it is an emergency.