When you ask what is therapy (a.k.a psychotherapy or counselling) the answer is that it’s either a one-off or ongoing problem resolving process with a designated therapist. Issues may include behaviour, beliefs, somatic responses and relationships. Ideally, it is a microscopic examination into what makes a person tick to positively amend self-destructive tendencies, resolve painful emotions, improve relationships and much more.
By providing a neutral, safe place, a therapist offers a non judgmental, neutral set of ears. Although predominantly a one on one experience, therapy can also be for groups, families and couples.In essence, therapy is a confidential journey between a patient and a qualified therapist designed to find resolutions to otherwise difficult issues.
On this ‘What is Therapy’ page:
- Myths About Therapy
- How important is finding the right Therapist?
- Does seeking therapy matter if I am LGBT+?
- How does therapy work?
- What does therapy do?
- How to know which type of therapy I should use?
- Types of Therapy
- When does therapy end?
Myths About Therapy:
Myths about therapy include going to therapy makes you weak, when in reality there is nothing wrong with showing vulnerabilities or working through them. In many ways it is a sign of strength. On the flip side, it is also a myth that therapy only makes you feel bad or that it’s too painful to experience. For those of us who are ready to face our demons, the experience can be more liberating and empowering than anything else and a cause for joy. Another myth is: once you get therapy you are in for life. The reality however is that therapy is designed to find real solutions to real problems – all the time working toward a successful end goal.
How important is finding the right Therapist?
Finding a counsellor or psychotherapist is both the most important, and the most difficult, decision you’ll ever have to make. Finding one that suits your needs is vitally important. If you want a quick decisive way to find one that immediately suits your needs, then you will be disappointed. It is the case that some find their perfect therapist the first time, but that is rare. I may take a little trial and error, but don’t give up. There will be the right one for you somewhere.
Does seeking therapy matter if I am LGBT+?
If you’re asking if the members of the industry care if you’re LGBT+ then the answer would be an emphatic no. Not unlike every other industry however, you may find some who would prefer not to have to deal with specific LGBT+ issues. That is perfectly ok. Ask for a referring to another therapist who is. You will not find it difficult sourcing an LGBT+ therapist, as the industry is popular and has many members of the LGBT+ communities as professionals.
How does therapy work?
Therapy is designed to work predominantly one on one with clients to get to the root of issues they are experiencing in life, work, relationship/s, and a myriad of other scenarios. Just as there are many different types of issues, there are equally a broad variety of therapists, most of whom have a specific area of interest or expertise. It is vitally important to find a therapist who suits your needs and with whom you both feel comfortable sharing your most intimate secrets, problems, issues, and thoughts.
What does therapy do?
There are many different techniques (see below under ‘Types of Therapy’) and many different ways to execute them for a mutually beneficial outcome. Essentially however, the aim of therapy is to work through whatever is bothering you and either fix it or explain it to the point where you are able to at least live with it without it effecting you the way it has for as long as it has.
How to know which type of therapy I should use?
There are over 100 types of therapies. Those that explore your creativity, retrain your body, or involve nature are just a few. Within every category of therapy, there are several types that may work for you. The best way to figure out what type of therapy is best for you is to take advantage of the online surveys available on many therapy websites designed for this precise purpose.
Types Of Therapy:
Not all types of therapy have research evidence but that does not necessarily mean that they will not have a positive effect on the individual.
The following is a non-exhaustive list:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Mindfulness-based Therapies
- Play Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Psychotherapy for Parents and Young Children
When does therapy end?
For some, it never does. For others, only a one, two, or three sessions are needed. Regardless of how long however it takes, the most important part is that you are happier, healthier and more able to play whatever role you do in life without fear or trepidation.
