What is Psychotherapy?

PSYCHOTHERAPY….

The primary goals of psychotherapy are to:

1) Know yourself better.

2) Alleviate emotional pain or confusion.

3) Assist in developing a more complete understanding of your psychological and spiritual issues.

4) Establish more effective coping mechanisms.

5) Foster a more accurate understanding of your past and what you want for your future.

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There are THREE FUNDAMENTAL PHASES that will facilitate your reaching these goals.

1. The first phase involves developing trust or a “therapeutic alliance” with your therapist.

The purpose at this point is to fashion a method of doing therapy that fits best with your personality. Gathering information regarding your past and present is a key element of this phase.

2. In the second phase or “working through” process, the emphasis is on

resolving confusions about past experiences,

and developing ideas about what you want and who you are.

Your identity in Christ is explored in this phase.

The goal is to feel more “at home” in the world,

more accepting of yourself and with your life choices,

more satisfied and fulfilled in your relationships with God and others.

Learning techniques about how to manage such things as:

flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, compulsions, obsessions, conflict resolution, forgiveness, trauma, loss, negative self-talk, restoration of relationships,

sleep disturbance, and/or assertiveness are part of this phase.

3. The third, or termination, phase of therapy involves

evaluating your progress,

solidifying what you have learned,

and resolving any remaining conflicts.

All three phases are essential to maintaining your psychological, spiritual and relational gains.

**The more interested and involved you are in your therapy, the more you will progress.**

Psychotherapy can at times evoke:

anxiety,

frustration,

anger,

fear,

sadness,

and/or dependency.

Unpleasant realities, if faced, can be worked through

and the therapeutic alliance assists in this process.

The emphasis is on replacing fantasy, myth, and untruths with reality.

Reality and truth can, at times, be painful

but will ultimately lead to more personal happiness and healthier relationships.

Through the process of psychotherapy one builds

self-awareness,

compassion,

understanding,

respect,

empathy

and acceptance toward one’s self and others.