What is psychotherapy

So we might choose psychotherapy when we are trying to find solutions to specific emotional and psychological problems, or when we want to get to know ourselves and how we function better. In most cases, the two are closely connected.

How it works

In the safe setting of the therapeutic relationship, built on unconditional acceptance, trust, empathy and respect, client and therapist together – through conversation and storytelling – uncover the feelings and patterns that stand in the way of a fulfilling life and of finding inner peace. In the same way, the client also discovers their own sources of strength and the positive sides of their emotions and experiences, which they can draw on to resolve their dilemmas and difficulties.

What matters most in the therapeutic relationship is that the therapist is always there for us, in the deepest sense of the word. They accept us as we are, with all our negative feelings, thoughts, reactions and actions – including those we may not accept ourselves. In this process, many people feel for the first time that someone truly hears them. All of this makes it easier to face even difficult insights about ourselves, which may hurt but can ultimately lead to change for the better.

Every person is unique, and so every course of psychotherapy is unique too. How long therapy lasts, how intensive it is and what results it brings depends on each individual client. That is why one of the therapist's main tasks is to adapt to the client's personality, difficulties and way of communicating, and to accompany and guide them on the way to a solution like a faithful companion.

It is very important, however, that the person is ready to do something for themselves – that they come to therapy with genuine motivation. Not much can be achieved in therapy under pressure.