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Psychotherapy is a method of treating mental or somatic disorders by psychological means, or more precisely, through the relationship between therapist and patient. The term and the practice are relatively modern, but they had counterparts in ancient healing ceremonies. Psychoanalysis is regarded as its ‘father’, and modern psychotherapy took a great deal from Freud’s methods. When Jung developed his own theories, work in the consulting rooms of analytical psychologists began to look different, but psychotherapy is still a conversation between two people. The psyche cannot be treated piece by piece: in mental disorders everything is connected and concerns the whole person. So therapy is a dialectical process between two psychic systems that respond to each other.

Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy get relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma, and function better in their lives. It helps you learn healthier ways to manage stress and resolve conflicts, and to get through major life changes such as divorce or loss. You can come to understand yourself, your motivations and your patterns of thought and behavior better, and this usually improves relationships: communicating and expressing emotions gets easier. Psychotherapy has also been shown to improve emotional and psychological well-being and is linked with positive changes in the brain and body, sometimes similar to the effects of medication. The benefits reach beyond mental health too: fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems and greater satisfaction at work.

You might consider therapy if you’re experiencing overwhelming or prolonged sadness, anxiety, or irritability, or if you’re having difficulty coping with daily life, work, or relationships. It can also help you through major life changes like divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one, or after trauma such as abuse or an accident. If you’re struggling with addictions, unhealthy habits, or notice unhealthy reactions like excessive anger or social withdrawal, therapy can offer support. Persistent sleep problems or physical complaints without a clear medical cause can also be signs. Therapy isn’t reserved for crises. People also come to grow, to understand themselves better, or simply because life isn’t going the way they want, even when they can’t say exactly what the problem is.

No. Therapy is for anyone who wants to improve their quality of life, understand themselves better, or cope with emotional difficulties, however severe or mild. You do not need to feel ‘sick’ or have a diagnosed mental illness to benefit from psychotherapy. It helps with ordinary life difficulties, personal development, relationships, stress and everyday worries.

Research has repeatedly shown that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of emotional and psychological problems. About 75% of people who start psychotherapy get some benefit from it: symptom relief, better functioning in their lives and better emotional well-being. Positive changes in the brain and body have also been linked to psychotherapy. The quality of the therapeutic relationship, the ‘fit’ between you and your therapist, matters a great deal. This bond can matter more than the specific type of therapy. Your readiness to reflect on yourself and to make the changes we talk about in sessions also counts. Therapy is joint work, and a lot depends on your own involvement.

The first session is mainly a chance for us to get to know each other and see whether we want to work together. I may ask what brings you to therapy, what you are struggling with now, important facts from your history, any previous experience with mental health care, and what you hope to get from therapy. If needed, I will explain how I work and go over the practical details: the length and frequency of sessions, confidentiality, and how I can help. This session is also for you to judge whether my style and manner suit you. Ask anything you want to know. This is not a test, and there are no right or wrong answers. It may take a few sessions to understand your situation fully, but we can talk about initial goals straight away.

The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on individual needs, the nature of the issues being addressed, and therapeutic goals. It can range from a few sessions for specific, short-term problems to several months or even years for more complex or long-standing concerns. Factors influencing duration include the severity of symptoms, how long you’ve experienced them, your rate of progress, the amount of stress you’re under, how much your concerns interfere with daily life, the support you receive from others, and practical considerations like cost and insurance coverage. Some therapeutic approaches, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are often designed to be shorter-term, while others, such as psychodynamic therapy, may be longer. Sometimes, after initial goals are met, a ‘maintenance’ phase with less frequent sessions may be beneficial.

Sessions are usually held once a week, especially at the start. Weekly sessions for the first three months are usually recommended: they help build a rhythm, establish a good therapeutic relationship and make steady progress. Over time the frequency can be reviewed and changed, depending on your needs, your progress and the therapist’s recommendation. Some people with more complex or severe symptoms, or those who want more intensive psychoanalytic work, may benefit from more frequent sessions, such as two or three times a week. Regular sessions matter because they give you time to work through emotions and bring new insights and skills into daily life.

Most sessions are conversation. I will encourage you to talk about your thoughts, feelings, experiences and whatever is troubling you. Careful listening on my part is the basis of the work. What you say stays confidential, so you can be honest and open, and no one will push you to talk about anything you are not ready for. Sessions can sometimes be emotionally intense: you may cry, feel upset or even angry. I am there to help you work through those feelings.

Yes, in principle, what you discuss with your therapist is confidential and protected by law. Therapists are ethically and legally obligated to protect your privacy. Information you share will only be disclosed to others with your explicit written consent. However, there are specific, limited exceptions where a therapist may be legally required to break confidentiality. These usually include situations where there is an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or dependent person, or if required by a court order in a criminal case.