Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (psychological therapy or talking therapy) is a method of helping a person change certain behavior and overcome problems in desired ways. Psychotherapy can be said to have been practiced through the ages, as medical doctors, philosophers, spiritual practitioners and people in general used psychological methods to help others.

Psychotherapy aims to improve an individual's well-being and mental health, to resolve or mitigate troublesome behaviors, beliefs, compulsions, thoughts, or emotions, and to improve relationships and social skills. There are over a thousand different psychotherapy techniques, some being minor variations, while others are based on very different conceptions of psychology, ethics (how to behave professionally), or techniques. Most involve one-to-one sessions, between the client and therapist, but some are conducted with couples, groups, or families. Psychotherapy may be delivered in person (one on one, or with couples, or in groups), over the phone, via telephone counseling, or over the internet.

Psychotherapists traditionally are mental health professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists, or professionals from other backgrounds (family therapists, social workers, nurses, etc.) who have trained in a specific psychotherapy. Clinical psychologists (e.g., Dr. Bradlee and Dr. Goodwyn) have specialist doctoral degrees in psychology with some clinical and research components. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are trained first as physicians—as such, they may prescribe prescription medication. Other clinical practitioners, such as MFTs (marriage and family therapists), licensed social workers, mental health counselors, pastoral counselors, and nurses with a specialization in mental health, also conduct psychotherapy.