What Is Therapy?
Therapy, also known as medical treatment, is intended to help a person overcome a problem. It has several different goals, including resolving symptoms and preventing the problem from recurring. Some therapies are more effective than others, and some can have unwanted side effects. In the context of mental health, therapy may refer to psychotherapy. Therapy sessions usually begin with an initial interview or assessment, during which a therapist can learn more about the patient's background and personal history. Depending on the type of therapy and problem, a session may be a few hours long, or many months. The first session will usually be longer than subsequent ones. A counselor may also guide the conversation toward a specific issue or symptom. When going to therapy, it's important to choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Otherwise, it may be best to look for another therapist. Remember that therapy is most effective when both parties are active participants. The therapist should be willing to discuss your concerns and work with you to set goals together. It's also important to ask for what you want out of therapy. A goal of therapy should be to alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning. If you find that you don't get better after several sessions, it's time to seek mental health care from someone else. While therapy can be life-changing for a person, it's not always affordable or accessible for everyone. It can also be time-consuming and expensive. Nevertheless, the benefits can be substantial.
