Psychotherapy Answers from a New York Psychiatrist

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy treatment involves listening and talking, and understanding the relationship between the people involved. Each psychotherapy session provides the opportunity to find space to tell your story, and be listened to. The important part of this is establishing a healing relationship with the therapist or the therapist and other members of a group.

Will it work for me?

Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after comparatively few meetings. Like any other treatment or life experience, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each individual has to make up their own mind about whether therapy is helpful for them. The initial consultations aim to help people think about this, in collaboration with a therapist.

Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set yourself realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of benefit.

Does it mean that I am 'ill' if I'm in psychotherapy?

Regardless of how you were referred, psychotherapy aims to treat people with long histories of serious emotional difficulties. These are linked to personal development, often over many years, and sometimes right from early childhood.

The symptoms you may be referred with might have led to you having been diagnosed with mental illness. The aim in psychotherapy is to look more deeply into the emotions, conflicts and distress behind these diagnoses.

How long does each session last?

Individual psychotherapy sessions normally last fifty minutes, and group therapy meetings are for one and a half hours. Some specialised groups are for longer than this.

What benefit should I feel afterwards?

Research has shown that psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms, improving relationships and self esteem. However, as each person is an individual it is difficult to generalise at the beginning as to which benefits a person may feel. The exploration and the journey is often as important as the goal.

Does it usually work?

A great deal of research has been done in the last few years to demonstrate that psychotherapy is effective. However, it only works as a catalyst with the person undergoing treatment. This means that in order to be effective, the "work" is not done to you - but by you and with you.

What can go wrong?

It may uncover underlying problems that are not amenable to psychotherapeutic treatment. These may then mean that decisions have to be made about discontinuing therapy and other treatment that might then be necessary. During the course of therapy it may be tempting to use less helpful coping skills, such as alcohol and drugs, that have been familiar to you in the past.

How will I feel during therapy?

It is possible that you may feel worse before you feel better, and some people find their psychological distress is reflected in physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains. Therapy requires an uncovering of painful feelings and memories. This can be experienced as a relief but it may also stir up uncomfortable feelings.

How much will I have to do myself?

Therapy is an active process, like a journey of self exploration. The therapist can offer guidance, but the ultimate responsibility for changing is with you.

How will it affect people close to me?

Your view of yourself and others may alter considerably through therapy. As you change, your relationships will change too - and it can disrupt the equilibrium of current intimate relationships. You need to bear this in mind before you start, and you may want to discuss it with those close to you. As this is a common experience, your therapist will be familiar with it and will be willing to discuss it with you