There are many obstacles and
challenges in life, which cause us to become overwhelmed, or even frozen and
unable to make decisions and deal with the problems we are facing. Sometimes,
these obstacles and challenges are built block by block since our childhood and
sometimes they are a single event which happens in our lives. Regardless of why
they are blocking our ability to change, make decisions, or move forward, they
are limiting our abilities by creating negative and mistaken internal dialogues
and thoughts. These internal negative thoughts about the situation, ourselves,
and our past limit or restrict creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to
see a way forward through the challenges we are facing.
As many of these obstacles
include depression, anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, fears,
bereavement, relationship problems or stress issues, they can transition from
mental health issues into physical health problems. Working with a
psychotherapist is essential in changing those negative thought processes and
learning new strategies to move forward.
Talk Therapy
Psychotherapy is sometimes
known as talk therapy, as clients work closely with their psychotherapists in
confidential sessions. Most clients will find it beneficial to attend weekly
sessions, at least during the initial stages of therapy.
During these sessions, the psychotherapist
and the client explore, through questioning, activities and discussion, the
underlying harmful or negative thoughts driving the problematic behaviour. This
may include messages or beliefs developed in childhood from parents, or other
people involved in the family.
In this safe, comfortable,
and supportive environment, the client is able to see the reality of how the
harmful thoughts developed. This is a freeing experience, which allows the
client to put those messages in an adult perspective or from a place away from
the trauma.
Once this process starts,
how these thoughts are impacting current challenges as well as how they can
impact the future are also addressed by the psychotherapist and client. Through
this understanding changes occur in thinking, believing and assessing current
issues, allowing for better decisions, increased personal satisfaction, and the
development of positive and creative solutions to the problems the client
faces.
Real Transformation
While psychotherapy is not
an overnight solution to a problem, through the process real, sustained, and
meaningful transformation occurs. This allows the individual to learn new,
effective coping skills and strategies. The client is able to eliminate the
negative thoughts which have been holding them back in their personal growth.
At Philippe Jacquet &
Associates, our therapists use a range of different approaches based on the
treatment goals indicated by the client. Each treatment plan is specific to the
unique individual client and can include elements from types of therapies as
well as different exercises and activities to help each client to learn more
about themselves on a deeper level.
Throughout the process, the
psychotherapist is there to guide, support, encourage and be non-judgemental.
At Philippe Jacquet & Associates, our psychotherapists are highly trained
in the use of integrated methods to assist our clients. The end result or
participating in psychotherapy is a true transformation in the client's ability
to see themselves and their personal value in a positive and healthy way.
