There are many reasons why people begin counseling. Counseling can be a very powerful tool when you are undergoing a crisis. But can therapy be useful when you are not in crisis? YES!
The process of psychotherapy is to help people get “unstuck”. Whether it is working through a trauma, divorce, sickness, or day to day activities; the process unfolds insight and increases awareness into the self. People are able to gain a better understanding of their own behavior and issues. Then they are able to identify their feelings and motivate themselves to be a better person. Therapy helps improve overall health and well being. This in turn can translate into increased self confidence and productivity which can let people live up to their full potential.
People at any age can benefit from the process and experience of therapy. The old adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is not something that translates into counseling. Increasing awareness and insight can in turn create new affects, behaviors, and cognitions.
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ometimes in our lives we just need someone to talk to. A therapist’s job is to provide active listening and unconditional empathy. Where else in your life do you have a one way relationship devoted 110% to you? Most relationships provide a selfish need. The relationship between therapist and patient is for the pure benefit of the patient. This creates a safe space for the patient to explore their feelings without fear of upsetting the person they are speaking to. This therapeutic alliance can give the patient confidence, ease their anxiety, and create space for true identification of their thoughts and beliefs.
By definition psychotherapy is “the treatment of emotional, behavioral, personality, and psychiatric disorders based primarily on verbal and nonverbal communication and interventions with the patient,” Simply put, psychotherapy aims to alleviate psychological distress through talking. This includes, but is not limited to, those with psychiatric conditions. Psychotherapy is a universal treatment that can help improve coping with everyday life.
KC Putterman LMHC,HC
