therapy- about it and its importance
therapy is one of the most commonly used words in today’s generation, but it's true value often eludes our understanding due to blurred knowledge. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
what is therapy?
the word therapy originates from the word “therapy” comes from the Greek word “therapeuein” which means “to cure, treat medically,” literally “attend, do service, take care of”. The word “therapy” was first used in 1846 to mean “medical treatment of disease”. The word “therapy” comes from the Ancient Greek word “therapeía” which means “service, medical treatment”.
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a professional and collaborative process between a trained therapist and a client. It is aimed at helping individuals, couples, or groups address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues and improve their overall well-being. Therapy provides a supportive and confidential environment where clients can openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. it is important that the therapist keeps all your information confidential and have a positive and nonjudgmental attitude towards your feelings.
commonly there are 3 prominent styles of therapy-
cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]- CBT focuses on the triad, which is feeling, thought and action. It aims to eliminate negative thoughts and foster positive thinking and effective actions. The duration of CBT typically ranges from 10 to 30 sessions.
psychodynamic therapy- Originating from the contributions of Sigmund Freud, psychodynamic therapy believes that the triad of feelings, thoughts, and actions is distorted due to problems arising from unconscious processes and past experiences. It aims to resolve these issues by exploring past experiences and providing a better perspective through insights. The duration of this therapy can last from several months to years.
person centered/ existential therapy- this type of therapy is formulated on Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow’s perspective of “unconditional positive regard”. this type of therapy believes in providing a warm, affectionate environment where an individual can fully explore themselves. The focus is on empowering the client to discover their own solutions, promote self-growth, and develop a stronger sense of self. duration of this is minimum 6 sessions but it can also last for a year.
what is the importance of therapy?
Before discussing its importance, it’s crucial to note that therapy isn’t limited to addressing mental issues. You can seek therapy when you feel emotionally overwhelmed or lonely. Therapists are professionals who can assist you in resolving basic issues and provide support during cathartic moments.
Emotional Support: Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. It offers emotional support from a trained professional who can listen attentively, validate experiences, and offer guidance.
Insight and Self-Understanding: Therapy helps individuals gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and patterns of relating to others. Through the guidance of a therapist, individuals can explore underlying causes of their difficulties, uncover unconscious patterns, and develop a better understanding of themselves.
Coping Strategies and Skill Development: Therapy equips individuals with practical coping strategies and tools to manage challenges more effectively. Therapists teach techniques for stress management, problem-solving, communication, emotion regulation, and conflict resolution. By learning and practicing these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate life’s difficulties and maintain better mental health.
Healing Trauma and Resolving Past Issues: Therapy provides a supportive environment for individuals to heal from past traumas or unresolved issues.
Relationship Improvement: Therapy can help individuals and couples improve their relationships by addressing communication problems, conflicts, and intimacy issues. Couples therapy provides a platform for open and honest dialogue, helps strengthen emotional bonds, and promotes healthier patterns of interaction. Family therapy can also foster understanding, improve communication, and promote healthier dynamics within the family system.
therapy provides a helpful and safe environment to open up the doors of your heart.
