Most people experience anxiety or depression at some stage in their lives and find themselves trying to come to terms with pain, grief or disappointment. Often this can be resolved without outside help. But sometimes the difficulties persist, causing unhappiness at home or at work. It may be that current difficulties are stirring up feelings from the past that the person is unaware of. Psychotherapy is suited to those individuals who want to overcome their problems by discovering hidden aspects of themselves through which they can gain an understanding of the thoughts, feelings and behaviour they are struggling with.
Psychotherapy can be useful for people who:
v
Feel anxious and unable to cope
with life’s burdens
v
Experience an underlying sense
of sadness or dissatisfaction
v
Lack confidence or feel they
are unable to fulfil their potential
v
Experience difficulty making or
sustaining relationships
v
Find it hard to come to terms
with a life change such as bereavement, divorce, or job loss
v
Express emotional problems
through physical symptoms
In a reliable setting the person coming for help is encouraged to use the time for reflection. Whatever is foremost in the person’s mind is brought to the session – thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams. The therapist listens and tries to make sense of what is going on in the person’s life.
As the relationship with the therapist develops the person discovers new insights, and also more appropriate ways of coping with problems. Sessions that are frequent and regular provide the emotional support necessary for this process to take place.
Each therapy session lasts 50 minutes and individuals are usually seen on a weekly basis, although in times of crisis more frequent sessions may be necessary. Towards the end of the treatment the sessions may be less frequent. The length of treatment can vary from a few sessions to an open-ended contract and is negotiated between the therapist and the person seeking help.
v Individual therapy – This takes place on a one-to one basis.
v Couples therapy – Relationships are, by their very nature, complex and often difficult. Sometimes couples get to the point where they need a ‘neutral third party’ to help them work out either, how to overcome their difficulties, or to separate when it is clear that their relationship has become destructive.
v Family therapy – Even though one member of a family may be struggling with a problem it is sometimes useful for the whole family to be involved in helping that person understand the problem. This is particularly true for children and adolescents.
Psychotherapy is practised by a wide range of health care professionals, for example, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. It can also be pursued as a profession in its own right. Properly qualified psychotherapists are registered with either their statutory professional licensing body and/or one of several recognised psychotherapy accreditation bodies.
You can ask your GP or any health care professional for a referral or you can contact a psychotherapist directly.
Deon van Zyl has practised as a Clinical Psychologist since 1989.....
Dr Jo King is both a Psychotherapist and a Clinical Psychologist.....