If we translate the word “psychotherapy,” its literal meaning is “treatment of the soul,” as in emotional and psychological recovery. But today, there is no point in talking about mysticism, as psychotherapists now work with thinking, behavior, and emotions to help people cope with anxiety, depression, crises, losses, or the internal feeling that something is wrong, but it’s difficult to understand exactly what.
Psychotherapy as a science-based tool for change
Psychotherapy is a scientifically-based support that helps you better understand yourself, cope with emotions, figure out why the same situations keep repeating, and how they are connected to your internal beliefs. And thanks to all this, gradually change your life. All this is based on scientific approaches, not intuition or advice “based on feelings.”
Psychotherapy will be especially helpful for those who:
- constantly experience anxiety, feel emotional emptiness or loss of interest in familiar things;
- feel constant overload and experience fatigue even when performing simple tasks;
- find it increasingly difficult to concentrate;
- notice that they encounter the same scenarios in relationships and want to understand why this happens;
- want to understand their reactions, feelings, and what lies behind them.
How Psychotherapy Works: From Emotions to Changes
A safe, supportive dialogue between the client and therapist is the foundation of successful psychotherapy. This contact helps to realize what thoughts, beliefs, and behavior patterns might be hindering your life. During the work, a person learns to see and recognize their emotions. Not to avoid them, but to understand what internal mechanisms trigger them, affecting the quality of life. And gradually, a person learns to change them.
Usually, sessions take place once a week, lasting about 50-60 minutes. But what’s important is not the number of meetings per week, but their regularity and the quality of contact between you and the therapist. Because it is the return to important experiences that will help recognize which reactions no longer work and what steps will help start living in a new way.
Currently, there are many different approaches to psychotherapy. But perhaps the main ones include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps figure out which thoughts trigger unwanted reactions and teaches how to gradually change them. This is a structured approach that often uses simple homework assignments that help reinforce what was discussed in the session.
- Psychodynamic therapy helps you better understand your experiences, which are most often associated with childhood traumas. Work in this method involves studying emotions, interactions with other people, and how past experiences affect the present.
- Humanistic therapy helps focus on the present while helping you accept yourself and your feelings. This method helps in developing confidence, independence, and the skill to choose what suits you.
- Body-oriented and Gestalt approaches help better notice body signals and how it reacts to emotions. Sessions often include breathing practices, gentle movements aimed at reducing tension, and working with personal boundaries.
Also, in modern realities, many of these approaches are reflected in modern technologies. For example, the CBT method is quite often used in digital solutions. For instance, in the Liven app, CBT approaches are combined with mood trackers and recommendations for developing new habits. Such tools are an excellent addition, and sometimes the basis of supportive therapy, especially in conditions of limited budget or lack of time.
How a therapeutic session is structured: step by step
For therapy to be effective, it’s important to understand what to expect from the sessions themselves. Despite the individual style and approach of each specialist, most do have a clear logic and structure.
Sometimes, anxiety may arise: “Will I be able to explain what’s happening to me at all?” And the good news is that you don’t need to be able to formulate your thoughts perfectly the Liven app evaluation. The main task is to remain yourself and speak openly. The therapist, in turn, will help create a safe space and ask the right questions to guide you.
Most often, a standard session may include:
- discussion of the current state and request — what is bothering you now, what you want to figure out, what your emotional state is at the time of the meeting, etc;
- analysis of life situations and reactions — the therapist helps you look at important events from a different perspective, so that you can understand why a particular reaction occurred;
- working through specific recurring scenarios that interfere with life or building healthy relationships the way you want;
- finding healthier and more sustainable ways to respond to stress, anxiety, or conflict situations in life.
It’s important to understand that a psychotherapist does not and should not give advice in the format of “do this.” Instead, they will help you come to better decisions that align with your values and goals, based on your experience.
Who is psychotherapy suitable for, and when to try it
Psychotherapy is not only about help and support during an acute crisis. It is also an excellent way to explore yourself, your values, and your goals. It can also be useful:
- during periods of any changes, for example, moving, changing jobs, or after a breakup;
- if difficulties arise in relationships, whether romantic, family, work, or friendly;
- when you’re concerned about self-esteem, procrastination, or lack of motivation;
- if you want to better understand your emotions and reactions.
Also, noticeable relief and real improvement in quality of life through regular psychotherapy is noted in people with ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, or their consequences. Including through digital formats, where support is always at hand.
But it’s very important to realize, you don’t need to wait until everything falls apart to seek support. Therapy can help long before things get critical, and the earlier you start, the sooner you can begin to feel lighter, calmer, and more in control.
How to choose “your” therapist
The process of finding a specialist is quite a delicate matter, and it may take some time. It’s important to focus not only on the method, but also on the feeling of trust and safety when communicating with a therapist. Here are several useful guidelines that can be considered when making a decision:
- professional education and practice;
- willingness to discuss building your communication, as well as what is important to you, and what doesn’t work for you;
- not just a feeling, but an understanding that you are heard and not judged;
- the ability to honestly talk about difficult feelings.
And know that rarely does anyone find “their” specialist on the first try, this is normal. The main thing is not to stop. This is part of the therapy process. As with any important relationship, contact and a sense of safety are important here.
Conclusion
Psychotherapy is a safe space where you can be yourself. Without masks, without pressure, without fear of being misunderstood and judged. And on this path, the specialist is your support who helps you while you independently step forward.
Psychotherapy is an excellent tool that helps you understand yourself, build healthier relationships, cope with difficult emotions, and live more consciously.