Psychotherapy (etymologically “cure of the soul”) is primarily a journey of self-discovery, analysis, and development of one’s personal resources, which allows for a broader understanding of oneself and one’s behavioral and relational patterns.
It is a cooperative approach where the patient, expert of their own history, and the therapist, expert in psychological methods and mental processes, work together to achieve shared objectives:
- gain greater awareness of one’s “way of functioning,” that is, how one acts and reacts
- modify certain dysfunctional behavioral or thought patterns that a person exhibits in various life contexts, which cause suffering and hinder the achievement of personal goals
- treat various types of disorders (anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, etc.)
In today’s society, which imposes increasingly stressful rhythms and higher standards, DISTRESS can become the only way through which body and mind communicate that something is wrong.
Psychotherapy then becomes a tool aimed at understanding and reducing suffering, but also at re-discovering the resources through which a person becomes an active protagonist in their life again.
In summary, therefore, psychotherapy’s general objectives are individual development and improvement of quality of life.
The atmosphere of Psychotherapy sessions is characterized by the absence and suspension of judgment: by experiencing a “non-judgmental” relationship, gradually the person learns not to evaluate themselves, but to understand their unique characteristics and accept themselves, including their limitations.
The main tools of Psychotherapy are: listening, dialogue and discussion, relationship, and therapeutic alliance.
Within this framework, there are then multiple specific “techniques” that vary according to the therapist’s orientation.
A “contract,” defined at the beginning of the therapeutic journey, establishes session frequency, costs, and therapy rules, to protect both participants in the treatment process. In any case, it is not possible to establish the duration of treatment in advance: it may vary depending on the issues and objectives agreed upon between patient and therapist at the end of the initial assessment meetings.
Psychotherapy does not involve prescription medication, but does not exclude its use where the clinician deems it necessary, following Psychiatric Consultation.
