Clarity on Therapy

The word Therapy has been overused so much in today’s day and age. There are products like soaps and body wash that have the word therapy in them and using it as a marketing gimmick. Psychology today defines therapy as a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health problems. Provided by any of a variety of trained professionals— psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or licensed counselors—it involves examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced by individuals, couples, or families. How can psychotherapy help an individual? Psychotherapy is a huge branch that helps individuals deal with a variety of issues. One can seek therapy and counselling if they are feeling lost, confused, depressed, sad, lonely, finding it difficult to adjust to a new unfamiliar environment, etc. Therapy focuses on empowering individuals and helping them improve their personal growth.

What are the different types of therapy available?

  • Individual therapy – here a therapist will have one on one sessions with an individual and focus on the issues he or she is having and work on resolving them together. The therapist is a guide, more like a medium, for the individual to get the help he or she needs.
  • Family therapy – a licensed therapist helps individuals in family members address their conflict and specific issues in order to improve the psychological well- being of the family at large.
  • Play therapy – is used with children. A therapist helps the child feel safe, heard, seen and understood. It helps children address difficult emotions and conflict in an easier manner.
  • Couples therapy – is where a licensed therapist helps couples in a safe environment to resolve relationship issues and conflict.

Why is therapy needed?

Therapy helps individuals with short – term and long – term goals as well as accomplishing them. It provides a safe space for individuals to be themselves and share their issues in a safe environment where they are guided by a professional. A therapist does not solve your problems for you rather they help you see the situation in a different perspective. They bring individuals to a point where they can help themselves. The goal of therapy is to make the client competent so they can deal with their issues by themselves at a future date. Therapy is a long process which requires interest, motivation and effort on part of the client.

Written by – Ms. Ridhi Soni