FAQ

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. A psychologist provides a supportive environment that allows patients to talk openly with someone who is objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental.

There are many different approaches to psychotherapy. The kind of treatment you receive will depend on a variety of factors: current psychological research, your psychologist’s theoretical orientation, and what works best for your situation. Psychologists who use cognitive-behavioural therapy, often involves homework assignments.

A Psychologist might ask you to gather more information, such as logging your reactions to a particular situation as they occur. Or the psychologist might want you to practice new skills between sessions, such as asking someone with an elevator phobia to practice pushing elevator buttons. You might also have reading assignments so you can learn more about a
particular topic.

In contrast, psychoanalytic and humanistic approaches typically focus more on talking than doing. A Psychologist may combine elements from several styles of psychotherapy.

How do you know you NEED Psychotherapy?

•  You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness

• Your problems don’t seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends .

• You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday
  activities .

• You worry excessively, expect the worst, or are constantly on edge

• Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, or being aggressive, are

      harming you or others.

What can you expect in the First session?

• The psychologist may ask a question like,

• What brought you here today?

• What made you decide to come in now rather than a month or a year ago?” It helps to identify your problem, even if you’re not sure why you have it or how to handle it.

• About your own and your family’s history of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, or similar issues.

• How your problem is affecting your everyday life.

• Whether you’ve noticed any changes in your sleeping habits, appetite or other behaviours.

• What kind of social support you have, so he or she will also ask about your family, friends and coworkers.

• It’s OK for you to say that you are not ready to talk about something just yet.

• It’s important not to rush this process, which may take more than one session.