Psychotherapy and Psychotherapist

1. Psychotherapy and Psychotherapist D erived from Ancient Greek words psyche which means “breath; spirit; soul” and therapeiawhich means “healing; medical treatment” psychotherapy is the treatment method that is usually used to regain mental health and perform well in the society. Based on the definition of John C. Norcross the American Psychological Association (APA) passed a resolution in 2012. Norcross defined psychotherapy as “Psychotherapy is the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviours, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable.” But psychiatrist Jerome Frank defined psychotherapy in a bit different and deep manner. Frank defined psychotherapy as an extraordinary individual influence that is described by the relationship of the patient and the therapist, a therapist who is socially regarded as a healer and conducts actions in order to heal the person. To be precise, psychotherapy addresses mental disorders by psychological means instead of using medications. Role of Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists are called just therapists. There is a wide majority of aspects that psychotherapist cover in addressing mental issues. Moreover, psychotherapists are often confused with psychologists and psychiatrists. So it important for you to understand the difference and decide what one should be looking at in critical situations. Psychiatrists are medical doctors having a degree in medicine and a specialization in mental health. They usually suggest medication but can also supervise talking therapies. Psychologists are doctors of psychology and they mainly focus on roots of certain actions and feelings. But they are not authorized to prescribe medications alone but can work in a team with medical doctors. Whereas, psychotherapy is usually what people look for in most of the mental issues. Psychotherapists are usually known to carry out talking therapy but they also specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and other interpersonal therapies. Because not all patients (such as children and reluctant adults) and mental issues can depend on just communication, psychotherapists design other therapies to addresses such patients. In psychotherapy, psychotherapists use evidence-based treatments to help people

2. regain mental health and overcome their problems that usually create hurdles in their routine life. Unlike other treatment options for handling psychological issues and mental disorders, psychotherapy focuses on individual involvement and consent. Psychotherapists endeavour to rebuild the patients’ confidence to handle their situation and develop hope of improvement. Working in collaboration with the patient allow therapists to understand the problem more genuinely. The American Psychological Association defines this collaborative treatment as “Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and nonjudgmental.” Psychotherapists understand that individuals often look for people who are not judgmental. That is why people with mental issues often show reluctance in sharing their problems and trusting others. Therefore, seeking help from a psychotherapist to overcome a mental health issue is an ideal treatment and have been proved beneficial in many cases. Source: http://bestfitnessinformation.org/health/psychotherapy-and-psychotherapist.html