How Does Therapy Work & Why?

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Therapy isn’t a simple one size fits all. Therapy works well because it’s unique and tailored to each individual’s needs based on their life experiences and thoughts. At the core level, therapy works by building a strong relationship between therapist and the individual. This relationship allows a level of trust and understanding that produces open and honest conversations.

Why do we use therapy?

We use therapy because talk therapy works to help treat a range of mental health issues. There have been countless studies backing up the practice, but it can be hard to demonstrate how therapy can have this impact. There are multiple theories and approaches to therapy, but they have a common effect, helping individuals face and better cope with the challenges, traumas and life events that are making them feel sad or have negative thoughts.

The Process of Therapy

The process of therapy changes from person to person and the type of therapy you’re looking to have. However, they all work to help you build a system of strategies that you can use to deal with and overcome issues you may face in your day-to-day life. Talking therapy uses communication to help uncover the causes of these issues, and throughout your therapy session, you’ll look to express and release this information.

Explaining how therapy works

Using a strong relationship

Building a good therapist-patient relationship is fundamental to the success of your therapy sessions. When you start therapy, you may not feel comfortable fully expressing yourself; this is why it may take time before you feel the benefits. Over time, a non-judgmental and confidential relationship will be built up, allowing you to truly be yourself. This openness and confidence can then be used in other relationships outside of therapy. Feeling heard, understood and seen for who you really are is the best way to deal with your mental health problems.

Finding the right therapist

A strong relationship between you and your therapist is a building block for behaviour therapy; that’s why it’s so important you find the right mental health professional for you. There are thousands of therapists out there and finding the right one can be hard. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to choosing a therapist. You can also use our find a therapist directory to quickly search for a therapist near you.

Therapist Directory

Feeling safe and having a safe space is essential for you to be able to explore your thoughts and feelings. Setting boundaries can be an excellent way to create this safe space as it allows you to be consistent. Having your therapy sessions at the same time each week is another excellent example of setting boundaries. If you feel safe and consistent, you will find the therapy a lot more beneficial.

All the therapists we work with here at South Asian Therapy are fully background checked, qualified and highly experienced, allowing you to feel comfortable while building a relationship with your therapist.

The Process of Therapy

The process of therapy changes from person to person and the type of therapy you’re looking to have. However, they all work to help you build a system of strategies that you can use to deal with and overcome issues you may face in your day-to-day life. Talking therapy uses communication to help uncover the causes of these issues, and throughout your therapy session, you’ll look to express and release this information.

How therapy deals with trauma

The focus on dealing with trauma is to open up to your therapist, who will listen, understand and provide compassion rather than try to fix the problem. Reflecting on these events can help process the trauma and reduce the negative impact on your mental and physical health.

Providing a new perspective

Opening up about your personal thoughts and feelings to a trained professional therapist can seem scary, but they’re there to help you make sense of these thoughts. They can allow you to see your situation, thoughts, relationships and yourself with new clarity and from a new perspective.

Why is a new perspective important?

By finding a new perspective, you can open up new ways of thinking. It can make you more conscious of the areas of your life that may have been holding you back. By uncovering this, you may find new opportunities to improve your life. It also allows you to cope and overcome fears and feelings you may have been blocking.

Allowing you to reflect

Therapy can put a spotlight on who you really are and the person you may be hiding. Your relationship with your therapist can help you reflect on your feelings, thoughts, behaviour traits and relationship. Reflecting on these key areas and your past can help you understand the effects this may have on your current life.

Why should we reflect?

Reflection time allows you to look back at situations you’ve been in. Review these situations and understand how you can deal with them better in the future to improve your overall mental health.

More Information

Find more help and information on our other therapy insight pages.

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