As we slowly erode social stigmas around discussing mental health issues, more people are curious about the benefits of therapy. Despite this, there are still plenty of misconceptions about how therapy works.
Psychotherapy is a scientifically proven treatment, with evidence-based methods for healing mental health problems. Each person has a different experience with therapy, but the overall therapeutic journey is similar.
In this guide, we’ll look at what that journey is, and why it works.
What Is Therapy?
When we talk about therapy in relation to mental health issues, we’re primarily talking about psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is a form of mental health treatment that primarily occurs between a client and a trained psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is sometimes referred to as talk therapy, and this offers a potentially clearer description of what therapy entails.
It is rooted in conversation, as therapists and clients work collaboratively to form a dialogue.
Some forms of therapy include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, and Animal-Assisted Therapy (such as Equine Therapy).
What Happens During A Therapy Session?
When you think of a therapy session, the image that comes to mind is probably a person lying on a couch, divulging their deepest secrets, while a therapist looks on with a clipboard or notepad.
Only a small part of this image is true—your therapist will probably take notes. For the most part, you won’t be expected to lie down. Instead, you’ll be given a comfortable place to sit.
Therapist and client then engage in a dialogue, with the client leading the conversation. You’re encouraged to speak openly, as all conversations are confidential (unless you’re seen to pose a risk).
Depending on the type of therapy, you might be asked to engage in a task. Afterward, you’ll reflect on how you completed the task, and how you felt while doing so.
The therapist will provide feedback, and offer advice based on what you’ve discussed in the session.
You’re likely to be given work to do outside the session, based on the conversation. This process will continue until therapy has given you the tools to better cope with your issue.
How Therapy Works
To begin with, it’s important to note that therapy doesn’t work the same way for everyone (but what happens when therapy doesn’t work?)
This is a highly personalized treatment, and any good therapist will adapt their methods for the client.
Therapy Is A Conversation
One of the reasons therapy works is that it builds dialogue between client and therapist. This relationship is unlike any other in life.
You have to be vulnerable and open with your therapist, which requires a great deal of trust. However, there’s a lack of intimacy, as the therapist keeps strong boundaries.
This unusual relationship allows the client to explore thoughts and feelings they normally don’t have an outlet for.
In a judgment-free zone, you can discuss all the things you normally keep to yourself. In turn, you’re given advice, guidance, and space to reflect.
The relationship between the therapist and client is an important factor in how well therapy works.
If you don’t “click”, it can be harder to open up, and therapy won’t be as effective.
The Process Is Gradual
Despite what we often see on films and television, therapy rarely has that one breakthrough session where everything starts to make sense.
And even when that does occur, it isn’t the end of the therapy journey.
Instead, progress happens gradually.
It Provides A Safe Space
Speaking to a therapist is different to speaking to anyone else in your life.
You don’t have to worry about the implications of someone hearing your most intimate feelings, because the only person there is the therapist. Everything said in a therapy session remains confidential.
In therapy, you can bring up the thoughts you normally keep to yourself. This allows you to confront those thoughts, and deal with them appropriately.
Confronting And Analyzing Experiences Allow You To Process Them
In our lives, we construct narratives of who we are. These narratives are how we see ourselves, and how we explain ourselves to others.
Trauma and painful experiences disrupt this narrative. The effect of this disruption is widespread, and everyone reacts in their own way.
In therapy, we can bring these disruptive experiences to the forefront.
By confronting these moments we’re able to analyze them, process them, and fit them into our narratives. When similar experiences or triggers occur in the future, we then have the tools to deal with them.
Identifying Patterns Allows Us To Break Them
It’s easy to get caught up in routines and patterns, and routine can have its benefits. However, when you’re stuck repeating patterns, it can be hard to identify the negative behaviors that are causing problems.
A therapist offers an outside perspective.
They can see the patterns that you can’t, and help you find the tools to break them.
You Need To Work Outside The Session
Therapy isn’t just about what takes place inside the therapists’ office. Instead, a lot of the work happens at home. A therapist will often assign a client “homework”.
This can be everything from literal worksheets, to practicing a new coping method at work. By working in addition to the session, you emphasize the lessons from therapy.
Often when people find therapy doesn’t help, it’s because they haven’t put the effort in on their own time.
Setting Goals Allows You To See Achievement
A therapist will often encourage the client to set a goal—something to work towards throughout the process. These goals will be determined in your early sessions, and the therapist can help you decide what you’d like to achieve.
Having set a goal, you and the therapist will work together to identify potential challenges, and find ways to overcome them.
You Gain Skills
One of the major misconceptions about therapy is that it’s all about talking.
While talking is a vital part to a successful treatment, it’s inaccurate to paint therapy as nothing but a conversation. It’s the role of a therapist to help the client develop skills to use in everyday life.
This is why therapy often has an end date.
After working together, a client has the skills they need to overcome a problem, and move forward.
You’re In Charge
Therapists are often portrayed as the leaders of a session, but this isn’t true.
It’s the client, that takes control of the session by setting goals, controlling the conversation, and developing coping skills.
A therapist offers support by providing a space for you to do the work.
Final Thoughts
Therapy isn’t always easy, it’s rarely quick, and the outcomes vary for everyone.
However, therapy does work. It offers a safe space for people to explore their vulnerabilities, confront problems, and develop new coping methods.
The journey might look different for everyone, but working with the right therapist can help you heal.
