About Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a name for a number of different treatments that seek to help people who are troubled by symptoms of depression, anxiety and other emotional/behavioral problems. We all have times in our lives where we may feel down, anxious, confused, etc. Usually these periods are mild and of short duration. A few of us, perhaps because of life experiences, or genetics, or both, are more severely affected by these emotional states. If you find that you are experiencing moderate to severe emotional distress and that you are feeling less able to cope effectively, psychotherapy may help. Clinical studies have shown that psychotherapy can effectively reduce many of the symptoms of emotional distress. Psychotherapy does this by helping individuals cope with life more effectively and make better choices and decisions.
Risks and Benefits of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, like any other treatment, has risks and benefits that each person must assess for themselves. Some may experience discomfort when exploring past experiences and associated feelings of sadness, guilt and anxiety, anger, or frustration. In therapy you may also find that you begin to discuss and explore unpleasant and difficult aspects of your life. This can lead to some unpleasant feelings and discomfort in personal relationships. However, working through these emotions and memories in a safe, therapeutic environment often yield many long-term benefits that usually outweigh the risks. Psychotherapy can lead to significant improvement in personal relationships, resolution of specific life problems and an overall improvement and satisfaction in your quality of life. As with all personal decisions, each person must make their own evaluation of the risks and benefits before deciding to start therapy.