| If you have never seen or experienced a psychotherapist, you might wonder why anyone would pay someone to talk about their problems. You may ask: Isn't that what your friends are for? Couldn't you get the same results from talking to someone who really knows you? Or, you may believe that psychotherapy is for "crazy people" who are seriously disturbed, not for higher functioning people who may be struggling with a particular issue. Or you may have never thought of yourself as someone who "needs" therapy! |
| How does therapy differ from talking problems over with a friend? Shouldn't a friend or relative know you better than some professional stranger? While it is true that good friends are therapeutic, the therapist/client relationship is unique in the following ways: 1. First, the information disclosed by the client is strictly confidential. The privacy of the individual is maintained. (Except in the case of suicide, homicide, and child abuse) 2. The therapist can provide both honestly and objectively because they are not involved with the client personally. 3. The therapist is non-judgmental because he/she is not invested in the outcome, and only wants what is best for the client and his/her well-being. 4. The therapist doesn't give advice but helps the client to explore all his/her options. 5. The client/therapist relationship is not mutual, the focus is on the client and his/her needs. 6. The therapist can point out the bigger picture and explore how all the pieces fit together by identifying patterns that the client may be unaware of. 7. The therapist is an educated professional and can provide psychological tools and insights that the client may not get otherwise. |
| These are the main factors that make the client/therapist relationship different from any other. Most people come in for therapy because they want to change something about themselves or their lives. Therapy can be the catalyst that facilitate this change. Transformation can occur when the client is emotionally ready. The therapist can provide the needed support, and together they can work on moving in the direction of the client's growth. Psychotherapy can be liberating, enriching experience since the goal for all clients is integration of the self and past experience. It takes a lot of energy to repress or deny feelings and painful memories. But as these issues are worked through and integrated, this process frees up trapped energy, leaving the individual to feel lighter, yet focused, no longer fragmented. A person then feels energized and motivated to do the things they really want to do. Therapy can also be challenging, even fun-like putting a big puzzle together and seeing the whole picture, the forest and the trees! Therapy can provide clarity; the therapist can be a mirror so the client can see themselves more clearly. It is therefore important that the client feels comfortable with the therapist, that it feels like a "good fit", The client should also get a sense that this particular therapist is capable of working with the presenting issues. If either of these factors are lacking it might be advantageous to change. |
| In summary, psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial; whether working through childhood issues, a conflict or present crisis, or a catalyst for further growth. Yet like with anything else: one gets out of it the same amount they are willing to put into it. Therefore, therapy is a form of investing in the improvement of the self, so life can be more satisfying, meaningful and enjoyable!! |
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