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What Is The Goal of Psychotherapy?

By: Rane Wallace, MS, LPC, LCDC, SAP
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Have you been considering psychotherapy? The start of a new year is a terrific time to invest in your mental health. And while it’s previously been stigmatized, it’s not at all uncommon for people to talk to a therapist. In fact, studies show that the percentage of adults receiving mental health treatment is on the rise.

Of course, speaking with a therapist can still feel daunting for some. (Don’t worry – we understand!) However, knowing what is the goal of psychotherapy can help alleviate those concerns. Today’s blog post is going to explain everything you need to know about talk therapy. And by the end of the article, you’ll know whether psychotherapy is the right option for you.

What Is Psychotherapy?

So, what is psychotherapy anyway? Well, psychotherapy (aka talk therapy) helps people overcome a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional hardships. By speaking with a licensed therapist, psychotherapy patients learn how to cope with daily life, recover from traumatic experiences, heal from losses, and overcome mental health disorders.

Psychotherapy comes in all shapes and sizes, and it can be used in tandem with medication or other therapies. Here at Fort Wellness Counseling, we specialize in both individual therapy and specialty counseling services to help people overcome a wide variety of mental health concerns.

What Is the Goal of Psychotherapy?

Wondering what is the goal of psychotherapy? Because the answer is simple. Mental health disorders and emotional challenges disrupt one’s day-to-day life and goals. However, psychotherapy helps that person explore their emotions, life circumstances, and values. Not only does this increase that person’s understanding of themselves and their relationships, but it significantly improves their overall quality of life:

  • Develop social skills
  • Overcome addiction
  • Boost communication skills
  • Improve emotional regulation
  • Cope with difficult life decisions
  • Prioritize wellness and/or personal growth
  • Adjust to injuries, losses, or other conditions
  • Manage excessive stress or another emotional difficulty

    How it Works

    So, now that we know what is the goal of psychotherapy, how does it work? And what are the benefits of therapy? Well, licensed therapists (like our Fort Wellness Counseling team!) use evidence-based techniques to help people identify what they want to change. Then, they’ll work closely alongside their clients to develop healthier, transformative habits.

    Here at Fort Wellness Counseling, we take several approaches to psychotherapy to help our clients accomplish long-term change:

    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven effective in treating a range of problems (depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, marital problems, addiction, etc.). It relies on the foundation that psychological problems are partly based on unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapists help people change those patterns by finding better ways to cope with their triggers.

    Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

    This form of psychotherapy focuses on relieving symptoms through improved interpersonal functioning. Essentially, this kind of therapy suggests that psychological symptoms are a response to current difficulties. Therefore, interpersonal therapists will address one’s current problems and relationships instead of delving into childhood and/or developmental issues.

    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

    Dialectical behavioral therapy is another form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, it specializes in equipping people with the skills to regulate their emotions, healthily handle stress, improve relationships, and live mindfully. Dialectical behavioral therapy is used to treat a variety of mental conditions and is particularly helpful to people with uncontrollable, intense, and negative emotions.

    When Should You Consider Psychotherapy?

    We are not oblivious to the many misconceptions floating around about talk therapy. However, we hope that understanding what is the goal of psychotherapy (and why it works) helps you gain a better understanding of what to expect.

    If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, addiction, or marital problems, psychotherapy can offer some relief. Additionally, speaking with a professional therapist can help you cope with stressful changes or life events that you might be facing.

    If you’re still unsure whether psychotherapy is right for you, here are some signs you should see a therapist:

      • Having social withdrawal
      • Feeling overwhelmed (often)
      • Coping via substance or sex
      • Difficulty regulating your emotions
      • Underperforming at work or school
      • Facing a traumatic event or life change
      • Experiencing Intense feelings of sadness
      • Experiencing irritability in your relationships

      Best Psychotherapist in Fort Worth, Texas

      Are you interested in psychotherapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Fort Wellness Counseling houses some of the best therapists in the industry. As a boutique private practice, we have ample experience helping our clients overcome their mental health issues. Now, we’d love to do the same for you.

      Together, we’ll work to uncover the unique challenges and day-to-day stressors that detract from your life and relationships. Contact our team to schedule an initial appointment today.

      Get started with Psychotherapy
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