Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people with a variety of conditions and problems. Knowing what to expect can help you find solutions.

Whether you need support while going through a divorce, would like to change how you interact with your children, or are suffering from a diagnosed mental health disorder, seeking treatment from a psychotherapist can help you heal.

“Choosing to go into therapy is an act of strength,” says Jaine Darwin, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, Mass. “Americans like to be independent and self-reliant, but human beings need connection. Patients who are willing to partner with their therapists often find relief from their distress and begin to lead more productive and less painful lives.”

The following answers to essential questions about psychotherapy can help you decide if you or a loved one could benefit from treatment.

Why do people turn to psychotherapy?
People consider psychotherapy when they have specific mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, or when they have family, work, or life issues causing them a great deal of stress or unhappiness.

“People often come to therapy when life isn’t working and they don’t know what to do or what to change to make it better,” Darwin explains. “Psychotherapy can help them understand the underlying motivations for their actions and feelings, which in turn can help them make better choices.”

What happens in psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy often focuses on problem solving and is goal-oriented. At the onset of treatment, you and your therapist should decide which changes you would like to make in your life. The therapist helps you achieve those goals by asking questions, listening, and discussing techniques that can help you cope with your challenges.

What factors influence whether
or not therapy is successful?
A good match between therapist and patient is one important factor. In addition, if you have a specific problem, such as drug or alcohol abuse, it’s best to work with someone who is trained in those issues.

“It’s also imperative that the patient commit to doing the hard work of honestly examining his or her feelings and behavior, which can be painful,” Darwin says. “Not being in a hurry is also a factor because, as a rule, Americans tend to want to feel better right away, and therapy takes time.”

Darwin also stresses that successful therapy requires a willingness to be flexible, look at things differently, and try different behaviors.

“When we get rigid in our thinking and acting, we fail to respond appropriately to people and events,” she explains.

What should I look for in a therapist?
Licensed psychologists are trained to recognize and treat mental disorders and provide support for people who are struggling with difficult challenges.

That said, Darwin explains that therapists have many different approaches to interacting with and helping their patients, and it’s important to choose one you feel comfortable with and whom you feel you can trust.

“A good therapist invests in your well-being with care and concern and is dedicated to helping you find solutions to your problems,” she says. “A therapist must be a good listener and, unlike a friend or relative, takes care not to let his or her personal feelings and attitudes interfere with the process.”

Barbara Floria spoke with Jaine Darwin, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org.

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