Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of those all encompassing terms that refers to the use of tools or techniques that alleviate mental, emotional or behavioural problems. The practice of ‘therapy,’ as it is often called, is typically undertaken by psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and counsellors. The psychological tools or techniques that are used have been designed to encourage the client or patient of therapy to achieve a range of outcomes depending on their needs. Many would argue that one of the key features of psychotherapeutic practice is for the client or patient to experience greater insight into their problems, with the ultimate goals being the relief of symptoms, changes in behavior leading to improved social and vocational functioning, and personality growth (Reber & Reber, 2001).

Recent inquiry into the beliefs that are held about mental health suggests that psychotherapy is seen as a treatment that sits outside medical practice and lifestyle treatments (eg., complementary therapies, etc; Jorm, MacKinnon, Christensen & Griffiths, 2005).

Psychotherapy can be offered by various mental health professionals, and can take many different forms in terms of general principles and approaches to therapy, typical length of therapy and the setting in which it is provided. Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, various psychotherapeutic approaches have been developed and practiced throughout the world, with varying levels of success. However, most therapists acknowledge that there is no one type of therapy that is superior to others in absolute terms, and different people respond differently to different styles in therapy. In addition to the particular approach a therapist uses in therapy, there is no doubt that personal characteristics of the therapist, and the dynamic relationship he or she forms with the client, are important factors in predicting the likelihood that desired outcomes will be achieved.

It is often hard to know in advance how we will respond to a particular therapist or to a particular therapeutic approach. However, having a basic understanding of the main features of different therapeutic approaches and of the different emphases they have, may assist you in your search for the treatment option that is most likely to be of benefit to you.

Although there are very many different types of therapy, they tend to fall broadly under the two categories listed below (or be essentially sub-types of these categories)- Cognitive Behavioural approaches, and Psychodynamic approaches. To find out more about the basic principles underlying these approaches, click on the relevant link. Other forms of therapy are briefly described under 'other'.

A brief description of different mental health providers is found under the 'Therapists' link.