What is Psychotherapy?

The profession of psychotherapy has become well-established over the last 100 years or so. However, many of the underlying principles of therapy, including relationship dynamics, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and encouragement, have been part of human culture and interaction from the moment humans started to relate to one another. 

The psychotherapy profession came about when people started to apply scientific and philosophical standards to one-on-one or group discussions and determined that talking about important personal matters with a trained professional can help people lead healthier lives. 

What Psychotherapists Do

The kind of work a clinical psychotherapist does can take on many forms. Some of these include:

  • Couples counseling
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Grief counseling
  • Supportive therapy
  • Pre-engagement counseling
  • Premarital counseling
  • Creativity exploration
  • Dream exploration
  • Personal growth counseling
  • Therapy for spiritual and existential issues
  • Sports psychotherapy for athletes
  • Therapy for other therapists
  • Case consulting for other therapists

Topics that psychotherapists may discuss with their clients are as varied as the many aspects of their work. Some of the many topics they might discuss include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Life’s stresses
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Relationship issues
  • Intimacy problems
  • Grief
  • Loss
  • Shame
  • Anger
  • Regret
  • Communication 
  • Assertiveness
  • Forgiveness
  • Communication
  • Sexual matters
  • Self-esteem
  • Body Image concerns
  • Writer’s block
  • Rejection
  • Divorce
  • Adult children of alcoholics or other substance abuses
  • Empty nest matters
  • Loneliness
  • Spiritual challenges
  • Acute financial stresses
  • Search for meaning and purpose
  • Work and employment issues
  • Extramarital affairs
  • Dream meanings
  • Friends and friendships
  • Physical, mental, and emotional health concerns

When to Consider Psychotherapy

Many misconceptions about psychotherapy exist. Consequently, you may be reluctant to give it a try. Even if you know the good it can provide, you may feel uncomfortable or nervous about trying it for yourself. If your quality of life is not where you would like it to be, psychotherapy can help.

Some people seek out psychotherapy because they have felt a certain way for a long time. Others may go to a therapist for help with a chronic condition that interferes with their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Or, perhaps they are looking to overcome challenging short-term problems. You could benefit from therapy if you are:

  • Overwhelmed and feeling a prolonged sense of helplessness or sadness.
  • Not seeing your problems get better despite your efforts and the help of family and friends.
  • Finding it difficult to carry out daily activities and concentrate on work assignments.
  • Worrying excessively.
  • Engaging in actions that are harming you or others.

Psychotherapy Payment, Billing, and Insurance Coverage

Many therapists have sliding fee scales that are dependant upon your income. Some will accept a lower fee when a client’s circumstances involve financial challenges. Many clients use insurance to help pay for therapy, which can be as much at 100%, depending on the plan. Some people may find paying for therapy is challenging, even with the help of insurance and lower fee options. If you don’t think you can afford a therapist’s services, ask anyway. A therapist may be able to connect you with services in your local area that you can afford. 

To find out more about how therapy can help you, contact a local psychotherapy professional and discuss your unique needs and concerns. Schedule a counseling and psychotherapy appointment, like a counseling and psychotherapy appointment in Palatine, IL, today. 

Thanks to Lotus Wellness Center for their insight into what psychotherapy is and how it can help people.