Psychotherapy
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How can psychotherapy nourish you?
Psychotherapy refers to a group of therapies,[1] such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectal behaviour therapy or family therapy. These treatments are provided by counsellors, psychiatrists or psychologists,[2] and are aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health concerns.
Also known as “talk therapy”,[3] psychotherapy borrows core principles from the ancient Greeks,[4] who were the first to recognise the value of using encouraging and consoling words to treat mental illness.
Unlike counselling, which generally refers to a shorter-term treatment, psychotherapy typically works over a longer period.[5] As such, counselling deals with current, surface level issues. In contrast, psychotherapy involves extensive examination into a person’s psychological history to help understand his/her deep-seated patterns of behaviour.
The purpose of psychotherapy is to use talking with a trained professional as a way of exploring thoughts, feelings and behaviours[6] that may be the root of emotional distress and suffering. By gaining insight and awareness into patterns of discomfort, dissatisfaction or suffering,[7] psychotherapy supports a process of change, helping a person take control of how they respond to challenging situations using effective and healthy coping skills.
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia[8] (PACFA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS)[9] are peak national bodies for accredited psychotherapists.
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Practitioners offering Psychotherapy
Benefits of psychotherapy
Psychotherapy offers benefits for a host of mental and emotional concerns.
Psychotherapies[11] have been shown to be efficacious for a wide-range of psychiatric disorders, such as attention hyperactive deficit disorder, bipolar, depression and anxiety, trauma and stress-related disorders, personality disorders and eating disorders. This highlights the importance of these therapies in treating a myriad of conditions.
In a recently published study[12] it was reported that psychotherapy is as effective as antidepressant medication in treating major depressive disorder.
Importantly, not everyone who receives psychotherapy therapy is diagnosed with a mental illness. This treatment modality can be helpful in a number of ways,[13] for example:
- Resolving conflict
- Relieving stress and anxiety
- Coping with major life events
- Managing a physical health problem
- Recovering from trauma or abuse
- Improving poor sleep
Psychotherapy may also assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a psychotherapy session
A therapy session in Australia usually lasts for 50-60 minutes,[14] and can be conducted as an individual, family, couple or group sessions.[15]
Your first psychotherapy session will typically involve a discussion with your therapist about you and your needs. The therapist will gather relevant information[16] to try and understand your situation and personal psychological history. This will assist them in determining the best course of action for your treatment.
As psychotherapy is a two-way process, the interpersonal relationship between you and your therapist is key.[17] It is, therefore, very important that you feel comfortable during your sessions, so asking questions is encouraged. A good fit with your therapist is crucial[18] for effective treatment.
Should you decide to try psychotherapy, it is important to approach therapy with the right mindset[19] so you can reap the most benefits. It is recommended that you stay honest and open[20] with your therapist, and actively participate in discussions and decision-making. If at times you lack motivation or feel your progress is slow, remember that healing takes time and psychotherapy can be a long-term process.
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor. In Australia, however, referral by a doctor specifically to a psychologist may entitle you to Medicare rebates[21] for up to 10 one-on-one sessions. Counsellors are not included in the Medicare rebate[22] scheme. To find a local psychotherapist, the following websites may be helpful: The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia[23] and Good Therapy Australia.[24]
References
1. Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
2. Psychotherapy. Healthdirect; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
3. What Is Therapy? Psychology Today; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
4. Haggerty J. History of Psychotherapy. PsychCentral; 2021.
5. What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy? Australia Counselling; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
6. Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
7. What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
8. Home. Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
9. Who we are. Australian Psychological Society; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
10. Guidelines on area of practice endorsements. The Psychology Board of Australia; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
11. uul, S., Poulsen, S., Lunn, S. et al. Short-term versus long-term psychotherapy for adult psychiatric disorders: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Syst Rev; 2019.
12. Kappelmann, N., Rein, M., Fietz, J. et al. Psychotherapy or medication for depression? Using individual symptom meta-analyses to derive a Symptom-Oriented Therapy (SOrT) metric for a personalised psychiatry BMC Med; 2020.
13. Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
14. FAQ’s About Counselling and Psychotherapy. Australia Counselling; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
15. Brazier Y. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156433. Medical News Today; 2020.
16. Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
17. What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia;
18. Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
19. Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
20. Bhatia R. What is Psychotherapy? American Psychiatric Association; 2023.
21. Mental health treatment plan. Healthdirect; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
22. Counsellors. Better Health Channel; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
23. Find A Therapist. Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
24. Home. Good Therapy Australia; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
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