Considering Psychotherapy in the New Year 🎆 🎊
Happy 2024!
Following the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, time with loved ones, and moments in reflection of the year that has passed, the start of a new year brings an opportunity for a renewed sense of self. It is natural to contemplate the future and set goals, envisioning a brighter, more fulfilling future year ahead. Whether it’s revisiting previously set goals, or developing new aspirations for the present season, psychotherapy can be a resource to support you and your mental health needs and desires.
Perhaps you have considered psychotherapy and are unsure of where to begin. The world of psychotherapy can certainly be overwhelming - types of therapy, titles of practitioners, reasons for treatment, how to find a qualified professional. Where does one begin?
Let’s start with the question, “what is psychotherapy?” The term “psychotherapy” is derived from two Greek words: "psyche," meaning soul or mind, and "therapeia," meaning healing or medical treatment. So, psychotherapy can be understood as the healing or treatment of the mind or soul. The term “therapy” is used as short-hand, but it is important to make the distinction between psychotherapy and other types of therapy such as massage therapy, physical therapy, aromatherapy, occupational therapy, etc.
Psychotherapy is a comprehensive term that covers various therapeutic methods and approaches. It entails discussions between a qualified mental health practitioner, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or counselor, and an individual or a group. The primary objective is to assist individuals in comprehending and navigating the individual’s or groups’ thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships in a manner that fosters mental well-being while mitigating psychological distress.
Treatment is often sought for feelings of anxiousness, depression, listlessness, low motivation, stress and overwhelm, relationship challenges, intimacy issues, trouble implementing boundaries, and anger. Symptoms are not always required, however, for an individual to seek treatment. Sometimes, feeling like something is “off” is enough to bring someone to therapy. Other times, an individual may want a different perspective, or a neutral, judgment-free space to air grievances or sort through their thoughts or feelings. Some individuals may want coping or communication skills for a specific challenge, such as a difficult conversation or relationship issue. There is no one reason for seeking treatment, and no wrong way to enter psychotherapy.
Within psychotherapy, there are many different modalities and treatment types. Common forms include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, behavioral, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), humanistic, holistic, and Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Each of these have their own distinct theoretical foundations, techniques, and goals. The differences among these therapies often lie in their approaches to understanding and addressing mental health issues. Mental health practitioners often integrate techniques from different therapeutic approaches based on their education and training, as well as the individual needs and preferences of the client.
There are several types of mental health clinicians. They include: psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors. Depending on the need of the individual or group (talk therapy, diagnoses, medication management, grief counseling, play therapy, art therapy, etc.), they should choose a clinician whose expertise aligns with their specific needs and goals, not just their title or credentials.
Incorporating therapy into your goal-setting process can provide a solid foundation for emotional well-being. A therapist can help you explore and understand your emotions, enabling you to set goals that align with your values and address underlying issues. Self-awareness is crucial for meaningful goal setting. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of your values, strengths, and areas for improvement. This self-awareness empowers you to set goals that resonate with your authentic self.
As you consider what you want to get out of the new year, consider the profound impact that therapy can have on your success. Setting empowering and realistic goals, coupled with the support of a therapist, can pave the way for a transformative and fulfilling year ahead. Embrace the opportunity for personal growth, and may the coming year bring you closer to the best version of yourself.
If you are interested in learning more about the power of psychotherapy, are based in either Virginia or Washington, DC, and want to begin the path toward self-awareness and enlightenment, please reach out to me for a complimentary consultation. There, I will share with you my approach and determine how we can best work together to make 2024 your best year yet.
