Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy
Medically reviewed byGiorgi (Guga) Sikharulidze · MD, PhD — Psychiatrist · Professor · Clinical ResearcherUpdated:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of treating mental health conditions that involves a professional interaction between a patient and a therapist to understand, manage, and improve psychological difficulties. More specifically, the purpose of psychotherapy is to improve a person’s emotional state and to help them overcome mental health problems.
The choice of methods and therapeutic approach is made according to the patient’s needs, in agreement with them. If necessary, the psychotherapist may refer the patient to a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or another type of specialist. It should also be noted that the purpose of psychotherapy depends on the individual’s condition and goals.
Psychological psychotherapeutic services are therapeutic interventions provided by licensed mental health professionals, aimed at helping individuals cope with various psychological difficulties and emotional stress. These services are primarily focused on improving mental health, personal well-being, and emotional resilience. The purpose of psychotherapy is often defined as enhancing an individual’s quality of life and ensuring their mental well-being. Psychotherapeutic services include:
Main areas of focus:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Working on changing thoughts and behaviors
Identifying irrational assumptions
Teaching practical skills and abilities: the purpose of psychotherapy is to empower the individual.
2. Psychodynamic Therapy
Bringing unconscious conflicts to light
Analyzing past experiences also plays a particularly important role in this type.
Exploring the impact of early relationships
3. Humanistic Therapy
Supporting personal growth, where the purpose of psychotherapy is again to promote the person’s full and healthy development.
Unlocking the potential for self-actualization
Developing a positive self-perception
4. Group therapy
Sharing experiences during group sessions provides support for participants.
Improving social skills
Mutual support
5. Family Therapy
Improving family relationships takes place within the framework of psychotherapy.
Conflict management
Deepening mutual understanding
Goals:
Resolving psychological difficulties, which is the practical aim of psychotherapy.
Improving emotional resilience
Personal growth
Improving quality of life
Key principles:
An individualized approach that focuses on accurately determining the indication for psychotherapy.
Trust and respect
Confidentiality
active collaboration
Psychotherapy may be short-term or long-term, depending on the patient’s needs. Ultimately, the purpose of psychotherapy is to improve a person’s quality of life and to achieve emotional stability. It is also important to note that it is tailored to the individual’s needs and depends on many different factors.
See also
→ Psychologist in Tbilisi — consultation
Frequently asked questions
Psychotherapy works at the psychological and behavioral level. Its target is thought patterns, emotional reactions, and behavioral habits. Therapy gives the patient tools so that they can cope with stress on their own.
Medication treats the organ (the brain), while psychotherapy treats the person. Our goal is not only to remove the symptom, but to restore the patient's quality of life.
It depends on the complexity of the problem. Short-term therapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioral) usually involves 8–16 sessions. Deeper, personality-oriented therapy may last for years.
Related
Treatment methods
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. Major international guidelines recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for depression, anxiety, and many other conditions.
- EMDR therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychoeducation