In the present global situation fraught with innumerable tensions and stress physical illnesses is not an uncommon occurrence. However, it is being observed that an increasing number of people are also being affected with mental disorders. These mental disorders interfere with the normal behaviors of the people, reduce their efficiency at their places of work and education in addition spoiling their social relationships.
It is imperative that such mental disorders be treated immediately and effectively. Psychotherapy is a method which helps people overcome their mental and emotional problems. This essay explains about psychotherapy, the situations under which the person should seek psychotherapy and the methods to choose the perfect psychotherapist.
Psychoanalytic/Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy is the process in which a patient is encouraged to discuss and talk his/her thoughts which are of precedence with a therapist. These thoughts may be dreams, unfulfilled desires, happy and sad memories and any other thoughts which the patient feels is important.
This kind of a confidential discussion between the patient and the therapist during regular 45-50 minute therapy sessions would help the patient immensely in understanding their worries and underlying problems clearly. This would ultimately help the patient overcome their emotional and mental problems (BBC) (British Association of Psychotherapists) (American Psychiatric Association). Psychotherapy has been found to be very useful in patients with mild to moderate mental disorders.
Mental illness can manifest itself in many ways. Any person who feels that they have been experiencing an emotional problem for a substantial period of time can seek psychotherapy. A person feeling excessive anxiety, feeling of emptiness, loss of self confidence, prolonged depression, feelings of self pity, shyness, not able to sustain relationships, mood swings, sexual disorders, eating disorders, inability to cope with a loss (job, marriage or death), phobias, changes in sleeping patterns, suicidal thoughts, drug addiction and violent behavior need to take the help of psychotherapy to alleviate these problems (American Psychiatric Association) (British Association of Psychotherapists).
As a psychotherapist plays a significant role in psychotherapy interacting with the patients, building up their trust, respect and helping them discuss and solve their confidential problems and emotional turmoil they should be chosen properly after careful analysis of various factors.
- The physiotherapist should have adequate educational qualifications to practice psychotherapy. It is preferred that the therapists should possess an advanced medical degree in nursing, psychology or psychiatry and a training in psychotherapy (BBC).
- Also referrals should be procured from various sources such as the patient’s family doctor, friends and from psychiatric societies to decide on the best therapist (American Psychiatric Association).
- A therapist should be warm, receptive to the patient needs, interested in what the patient has to discuss, is flexible with the patient, make the patient feel at ease, discuss treatment plans and get regular feedback from the patient in addition having good communication skills (Zur). The therapist should also interpret the problems of the patient, help in modifying behavior patterns, and find solution to the problems of the patient.
Mental disorders and emotional problems can be effectively solved by psychotherapy and it is imperative that a competent psychotherapist is chosen for the task. People who experience any emotional and mental distress should seek the help of psychotherapy immediately for diagnosis and treatment of their problems.
Works Cited
American Psychiatric Association. Psychotherapy. 2008. Web.
BBC. Therapy and therapists. 2006. Web.
British Association of Psychotherapists. What is psychotherapy? 2008. Web.
Zur, Ofer. How To Choose a Therapist. 2008. Zur Institute. Web.