What is a Psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a person who helps out people having mental problems psychologically rather than prescribing them medicine. 

If that’s too technical for you, you can just remember the word Shrink or psychiatrist. Psychotherapists are trained professionals that treat mental orders such as insomnia, drug addiction, depression, social anxiety, schizophrenia, and even bipolar disorders.

They can help people in improving their mental wellbeing and dealing with their emotional difficulties.

A psychotherapist can use a variety of therapy techniques which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, and supportive therapy.

What Does a Psychotherapist Do?

When you have a cold, you typically go see a doctor and he prescribes you some standard medicine. But, when your heart aches and you seem to have lost your purpose in life or lose track, you go see a therapist.

He won’t prescribe some pill or syrup to take, rather, he will listen to you and will come to conclusion. He will use talk therapy to perform the below-mentioned tasks:

• He can offer a solution to some problem that has been bugging you for weeks.
• He will allow you to have a fresh perspective on some issue you have been facing.
• He can help you understand what you have been going through and improve your decisions making skills.
• He can analyze your conversation and allow you to understand the underlying messages of your feelings and emotions.
• He can enable you to improve your behaviour and bring about positive changes in your mind and soul.

Who can become a psychotherapist?

Psychotherapists or shrinks should be licensed counselors that can enable the persons to overcome their repressed emotions and discuss the underlying causes of the problems faced by the individuals.

Not only they should make people trace the roots of their mental issues, but psychotherapists also equip them to face future challenges. They need to be compassionate and nonjudgmental about the clients. They need to be active listeners and engaged with their clients on an emotional level.

A psychotherapist can use a variety of therapy techniques which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, and supportive therapy.
 
Finding the right psychotherapist can be easier than you think, especially with a company like BetterHelp – a popular mental health resource that works to bring therapists and patients together via a user-friendly online platform. The ability to have mental health care from the comfort of your own home instead of in an office means therapy is now more accessible than ever before. 

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-is-a-psychotherapist/

Who should consult a therapist?

If you are one of those below-mentioned people, then its time you go see a psychotherapist to help figure out things for you:

• A person who has just undergone some messy breakup
• A person who has just witnessed some personal loss and tragedy
• A person who is unable to control his anger and unhealthy reactions
• A person who is living with major life changes
• A person who is suffering from lack of sleep or pleasure in life
• A person who is in the rehabilitation phase
• A person who is undergoing depression or is unhappy with his current life

Furthermore, other reasons for seeing a therapist might include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, addictions, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

So, if you are feeling at unease due to any of the abovementioned reasons, you can seek the professional help of a psychotherapist who can help you navigate while you try to figure out the root cause of your underlying issues.  

More Posts About Therapy

Is Online Therapy Effective?

How different psychotherapy techniques can impact you

3 Signs You Need a New Therapist

References:

Symington N. The making of a psychotherapist. Routledge; 2018 May 8.

Gelso CJ, Silberberg A. Strengthening the real relationship: What is a psychotherapist to do?. Practice Innovations. 2016 Sep;1(3):154.

Norcross JC, VandenBos GR. Leaving it at the office: A guide to psychotherapist self-care. Guilford Publications; 2018 May 31.

Marillier J. The gossamer thread: My life as a psychotherapist. Sphinx; 2018 Jul 17.

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional.