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WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY

“"The principle aim of psychotherapy is not to transport one to an impossible state of happiness, but to help (the client) acquire steadfastness and patience in the face of suffering." 

Carl Jung

PSYCHOTHERAPY IS NOT

Advice.  Therapists do not tell you what to do, Therapists do work with you to explore patterns, priorities, values, and motivations that play a role in your decision-making and problem-solving.  You are encouraged and empowered to make your own choices and reflect on those with negative outcomes and celebrate those that are positive.

Chit chat, a place for simply venting and complaining, or friendship.  Therapy is a professional relationship that involves lots of talking, however the content is explored through the lenses of a variety of theoretical orientations. 

A magic pill or quick fix.  What brought you here did not happen overnight.  Therapy is a process that takes time.  It necessitates participation, investment, and effort from you during session, and most importantly, between session: in your life.  Careful and deliberate effort from you is important, in order to make positive change happen.  Small changes can bring life-altering results. 

Intended to last forever. Therapy is a collaboration that includes identification of measurable goals.  These goals are based on what you want to see yourself doing differently that would be better.  Progress is routinely monitored with the intent of enabling autonomy, encouraging independence, and respecting your ability to make your own decisions.  

Image by Sean Stratton
Balancing Rocks

PSYCHOTHERAPY IS

A professional relationship that involves an exploration of difficult feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that get in the way of healthy relationships and goals. 

Based on mutual trust, mutual respect, and risk-taking.  Therapists provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, safe place to enable you to take the risk of exploring thoughts, behaviors, and experiences associated with pain, guilt, and shame. 

Challenging and uncomfortable, at times.  Therapists will often validate a your feelings, however it is imperative that you are challenged to reflect on your thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes, in order to grow. 

A process that involves insight, acceptance, and change. Regardless of your goals, the content of therapy sessions will help you consider these elements. 

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