psychotherapy session

What Is the Main Goal of Psychotherapy?

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy aims to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being.

This type of treatment is quite similar to counselling in terms of relieving stress by discussing and expressing feelings. However, counselling focuses on addressing the underlying causes of a person’s problems as well as how to solve them.

On the other hand, psychotherapy helps change attitudes and behaviours that lead to negative thoughts and feelings. Psychotherapists also work with patients to adopt healthy coping mechanisms and constructive habits.

Many different kinds of psychotherapy have proved effective in helping people feel better, resolve problems, and develop positive attitudes and behaviour.

Types of Psychotherapypsychotherapy session in ottawa

The field of psychotherapy is constantly evolving and now offers a variety of different types to choose from. Besides the choice of having an individual or group session, there are different styles of psychotherapy to choose from in order to fit your needs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change harmful thinking and behaviours by replacing them with more helpful habits. This type of therapy has been found to help people suffering from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Patients having trouble with underlying interpersonal difficulties such as unresolved grief and changes in social responsibility can greatly benefit from Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is another type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that focuses on regulating thoughts and emotions. People with borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders are taught new skills in how to take personal responsibility to change disruptive and unhealthy behaviour.

The idea of psychodynamic therapy focuses on the premise that inappropriate, repetitive, and unconscious experiences during childhood have a significant impact on behaviour and mental health. Working together with a therapist, patients will work to improve self-awareness and change behaviours to live a better life.

Who Should Consider Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy works best when individuals are open to talking and sharing their feelings with a therapist. Only when there’s trust between a therapist and their patient can results be found.

Psychotherapy can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health and behavioural issues including:

a young woman sitting on a couch with her hands on her face

  • – Depression
  • – Substance abuse
  • – Eating disorders
  • – PTSD
  • – Grief and loss
  • – Relationship distress
  • – Stress
  • – Anxiety

 

Talk therapy can help you confront your anxiety, navigate your trauma, build healthy relationships, and improve your overall health. While forming a strong bond with your therapist won’t happen overnight, keeping an open mind and increasing your self-awareness is the first step to living a quality life.

Choosing the Right Ottawa Psychotherapist

Whatever your need is, psychotherapy can help you find peace. The first and most important step is to realize that you’re suffering and that you can get better by seeking help.

You want a therapist who is able to connect to you, listens intently, understands, and offers valuable feedback. Capital Choice Counselling has over 40 Ottawa-based counsellors so finding the right therapist for you is just a matter of browsing through our directory or contacting us directly.

Get in touch with us to find out more about psychotherapy in Ottawa and let us match you with the best counsellor for you.