What Is Therapy?
Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible—no matter what challenges you may be facing. Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviors and habits, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, and more.
Though no one can tell you exactly what your therapy process will be like, in all modes of therapy you will establish goals for your therapy and determine the steps you will take to get there. Whether in individual, group, or family therapy, your relationship with your therapist is a confidential one and focuses not only on the content of what you talk about, but also the process. The therapeutic process--how you share your feelings and experiences--is considered to be just as important as the specific issues or concerns you share in therapy. Once you start therapy, it may help to know and recognize elements of healthy therapy as well as warning signs of questionable therapy.
On the whole, you can expect that your therapist will be someone who supports you, listens attentively, models a healthy and positive relationship experience, gives you appropriate feedback, and follows ethical guidelines. Good therapy should be tailored to you and your experiences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELING AND THERAPY
- How do I choose a counselor or therapist?
- What exactly does therapy accomplish?
- I'm nervous about starting therapy; is that normal?
- What will happen in my first therapy session?
- How much does therapy cost?
- How long does therapy last?
- What do I do if I don’t like my therapist when I meet him or her?
- Does the sex or gender of my therapist matter?
- Will I have to talk about my feelings in therapy?
- Can a therapist prescribe psychotropic medication?
- Can my therapist tell other people about our sessions?
- Can other people come with me to my therapy sessions?
- I’m under the age of 18; does my parent have to give permission for me to go to therapy?
- What is the difference between an intern and a fully-licensed therapist?
- Can therapy affect the brain?
Important:
WE ARE NOT A MEDICAL SERVICE OR SUICIDE PREVENTION HELPLINE. IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL, WE SUGGEST YOU IMMEDIATELY CALL A SUICIDE PREVENTION HELPLINE
India:
VANDREVALA FOUNDATION HELPLINE - 1 860 266 2345 (24X7),
https://www.vandrevalafoundation.com/
AASRA - +91 22 2754 6669 (24X7), http://www.aasra.info/
Samaritans Mumbai - +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530
https://www.samaritansmumbai.org/
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