Mental health issues are
very different from physical health problems, although they can be just as
devastating and life altering. Physical health conditions, including accidents,
injuries, trauma, and disease, can be seen through changes in the body, medical
testing, and through the development of specific symptoms related to the
condition.
Mental health conditions are
often invisible. They cannot be determined by a blood test or an X-ray, and
they may have signs and symptoms that are overlooking, misunderstood, or
dismissed by the individual and those around them.
Often, mental health issues
are seen in unhealthy or destructive behaviours. Despite all the research and
education, it is common for family members and others to blame the individual
for being depressed, anxious, suffering from PTSD, dealing with grief, anger
problems, or struggling with an addiction.
The Basics of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an umbrella
term for a group of therapeutic approaches that use talk therapy as the central
focus. The client and the psychotherapist work together to explore deeply held
beliefs and thoughts that are negatively impacting the life of the client.
Through talk therapy, the
client is able to safely and comfortably explore how these thoughts developed,
how they are inaccurate reflections of themselves, and how they are negatively
impacting behaviour. The psychotherapist and the client then develop healthy
thoughts around the specific issues that reflect the current reality for the
client. Through changing these thoughts and beliefs, behavioural changes can be
made that create a positive, healthy future.
Experienced psychotherapists
are able to use specific techniques to provide a personalised, holistic
approach to treatment. This is one of the benefits of the Harley Street
psychotherapy through Philippe Jacquet & Associates, where every client has
his or her individualised treatment plan that is customized to meet his or her
needs.
Utilising the various
techniques from both specific theoretical perspectives of psychotherapy as well
as best research-based practices, the client and the therapist may use art,
movement, writing, or reflecting types of exercises as part of the therapeutic
approach. Many clients will start their work with the psychotherapist by
providing their history as well as identifying the areas of change they desire.
The Benefits of Psychotherapy
Talk therapy is very
effective in addressing any issues of concern for the client. In confidential,
one-on-one sessions, the psychotherapist provides a supportive, emotionally
safe, and private environment to talk about any areas of concern. This may
include specific mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addictions,
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessions or compulsions, addictions,
relationship challenges, or difficulties in interpersonal interactions.
Specific types of conditions
such as food addictions, gambling problems, codependency, sex addictions, and
even issues with low self-esteem and problems with phobias and fears can also
be effectively treated with psychotherapy.
In positive and
non-threatening ways, the Harley Street psychotherapist can provide
opportunities for the client to gain insight into his or her behaviours and how
they can change. With support and structure, the client has confidence that she
or he can make these positive changes in their way of thinking and behaving.
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