What is therapy?

Therapy is a process where a person works with a trained professional to address mental health concerns or personal issues. The goal of therapy is to help individuals understand and work through their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to improve their overall well-being and ability to function in daily life.

Therapy can take many forms, but generally, it involves regular meetings between a therapist and a patient, where the therapist helps the patient understand and process their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

There are many different types of therapy, and different therapists may use different approaches. Some common forms of therapy include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): focuses on how thoughts and beliefs affect feelings and behaviors. The therapist works with the patient to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT): focuses on how relationships and interactions with others affect a person's mood and mental health. It can improve communication and problem-solving skills.

Psychoanalytic therapy: This type of therapy is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud, and it seeks to help the person understand their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Trauma-focused therapy: addresses the psychological effects of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Mindfulness-based therapies: helps people to focus their attention on the present moment in a non-judgmental way and teaches them to be more self-aware and less reactive to difficult thoughts and emotions.

It's important to note that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's also worth noting that no therapy works instantly, it's a process that takes time, but with the right therapist, you can make progress.

Check out more about therapy in this article from Psychology Today