Psychotherapy (psychological therapy or talking therapy) is the use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction with adults, to help a person change behavior and overcome problems in desired ways. Psychotherapy aims to improve an individual’s well-being and mental health, to resolve or mitigate troublesome behaviors, beliefs, compulsions, thoughts, or emotions, and to improve relationships and social skills.
Approaches to psychotherapy fall into five broad categories:
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies : This approach focuses on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their unconscious meanings and motivations.
- Behavior therapy: This approach focuses on learning’s role in developing both normal and abnormal behaviors.
- Cognitive therapy: Cognitive therapy emphasizes what people think rather than what they do.
- Humanistic therapy : This approach emphasizes people’s capacity to make rational choices and develop to their maximum potential. Concern and respect for others are also important themes.
- Integrative or holistic therapy : Many therapists don’t tie themselves to any one approach. Instead, they blend elements from different approaches and tailor their treatment according to each client’s needs.
