What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental problems by psychological rather than medical means.  A psychotherapist will guide and support you through an interactive process in order for you to gain an understanding of your own thoughts, emotions and behaviour. The understanding of the inter-connectedness of these components is the key to develop strategies to improve your mental health.

 

Mental health affects us all in how we think and feel about ourselves, and has a significant influence on our behaviour. Mental health problems are very common among people and can appear in various forms such as depression, anxiety, anger, eating problems, insomnia, compulsive disorders or a chronic physical illness that is interfering with the emotional well-being. These problems can be caused by external events such as loss of a job or a significant other or expatriation. However, mental health problems can also manifest themselves without being triggered by a direct event. In both cases, it is advisable to seek professional help from a psychotherapist to re-establish your emotional well-being.

 

When should you consider psychotherapy?

• Is there a change in your state of mind? Can this change be easily explained?

• Do other people notice a change?

• Has the change been bothering you for more than 3 months?

• Does talking to your friends or relatives not improve your well-being?

• Do you find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday activities? 

• Do you worry excessively, expect the worst and suffer from anxiety in certain situations?

• Do you have physical health problems and do these problems compromise your well-being?

• Do you have sleeping problems (too much sleep, too little sleep or recurring bad dreams)?

• Are you constantly on edge, stressed, disaffected or aggressive?

• You don´t care about whatever is happening around you?

• Do you have suicidal tendencies?

 

How will psychotherapy help?

Psychotherapy is guidance to self-help. It helps you to understand, accept and cope with your thoughts, emotional reactions and behaviour. Therefore, psychotherapy enables you to set aside undesirable behaviour patterns, to take action according to your own life goals and to lead a self-determined, fulfilled life.