What are Counseling and Psychotherapy?

Psychological counseling and psychotherapy are modern approaches to manage and alleviate emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical suffering.

Once referred to as “talk therapy,” a counselor or psychotherapist first works with the client or patient to identify areas of distress in his or her life and to start to assess areas of unhappiness, distress and self-destructive and self-defeating behaviors. Carefully a diagnosis is made to identify and direct the counselor or therapist’s recommendations and approach to treatment.

A Collaborative and Individualized Process

Effective therapists or counselors begin with the client or patient’s concerns. Starting where you are at, regarding your emotions, thoughts, and medical concerns respects and honors your lived subjective experience. Depending on circumstances, and your choice, this may involve not just you but, your partner, child, or parent’s observations and concerns. Furthermore, sessions may involve these, and other significant others in your life in treatment, that is, if you and your therapist agree this more expansive family therapy is indicated. (See page here on family therapy for more information.)

Growth, Tools, and Outcomes

Being in therapy is a process wherein you and your counselor or therapist reflect on, think and understand together, in a collaborative manner, your concerns and struggles in new ways. You will learn more about who you are and will identify new ways to face pain and suffering.

As life is an ongoing “becoming” you will identify new areas for growth, self-actualization, and ways to live out and realize your life possibilities. “Becoming,” is becoming more of who you can be, that is to begin and/or accelerate the potential you have in your life, as well as in your relationships with others. Additionally, your therapist or counselor may offer specialized and individualized techniques and tools you will be able to apply outside of therapy sessions to manage your distress when this is indicated.

Successful therapy helps us become more satisfied with ourselves and our lives which leads to leading a fuller life as well as a reduction or eliminations of undesirable symptoms and behaviors.