Psychotherapy

When do you need therapy?

If you have been feeling down for a long time or have noticed that you have a pattern that is difficult to break, it may be useful to seek psychotherapy. Issues such as a difficult childhood, sleep problems, and anxiety can be helped by therapy as well. Many people who seek psychotherapy do so because they find it difficult to talk to their loved ones or they may not have enough support in their lives. It’s normal to need a little more help sometimes – that’s what therapy is here for.

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Are there different types of psychotherapy?

The most common form of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy explores individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviors to determine causes of anxiety and depression, then implements various strategies to change thought patterns to improve overall mental health.

Within CBT, there are newer treatments, known as third-wave CBT, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). There are also other treatment methods such as interpersonal therapy (IPT). For more complex problems, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or schema therapy can be helpful.

There are also methods such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which can be helpful for trauma. Psychodynamic therapy, existential therapy, family systems therapy and couples therapy are other types of therapy, depending on what you need.

How does psychotherapy work?

In simple terms, psychotherapy consists of two parts: the relationship between the therapist and the client, and the method used by the therapist.

The therapist-client relationship is also called the therapeutic alliance. Empathy, respect, and compassion are central to the therapeutic alliance so that the client can feel seen and heard. Research shows that the therapeutic alliance is the best predictor of therapy outcomes, regardless of the type of therapy used.

Here are some basic aspects of psychotherapy:

1. Conversation and relationship: The conversation between client and therapist is central to psychotherapy. Here you can explore what you need help with.
2. Goal setting: At the beginning of therapy, short- and long-term goals for the therapy are often formulated.
3. Therapeutic methods: There are various therapeutic methods used in psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, existential therapy, gestalt therapy, and many others. Each method has its own principles and techniques.
4. Self-awareness and change: Psychotherapy aims to help the client increase self-awareness, understand deeper patterns and causes of problems, and develop skills and strategies for change and better management of life’s challenges.
5. Duration and frequency: The number of sessions and duration of therapy varies depending on the severity of the problem. Some therapies may be short and focused, while others may be more long-term and exploratory.
6. Individual and group treatment: Psychotherapy can be conducted individually or in groups, depending on the client’s preferences and needs.
7. Evidence-based practice: There is a lot of research on psychotherapy and evidence-based means that there have been scientific studies showing their effectiveness for different psychological problems. The effectiveness for different conditions can vary between different methods, with some methods getting better results than others.

All therapists have a duty of confidentiality. The professional must not reveal information about you to anyone else unless there is imminent risk of harm to you or someone else. In group therapy, all group participants must agree on confidentiality.

Who can provide psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can be provided by different professionals. Licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and psychiatrists are all able to provide therapy.

If you are in treatment with a licensed therapist, you also have certain rights if you are not satisfied. All licensed clinicians must report to their respective state boards, and there is a formal process for submitting complaints.

Online psychotherapy

All of our psychologists and therapists at Lavendla offer services exclusively online. You are welcome to book an appointment if you’re curious about therapy. At Lavendla, we aim to make the difficult easier.

Why Lavendla?