Psychotherapy works at different levels at once. Usually, clients consult therapists with an issue or problem that may be pressing at the time. We proceed by discussing these or any other related issues of importance. Theory, philosophy, the ideas and considerable clinical experience of psychotherapy all go to occasion insight into such issues. The inter – personal relationship is used to produce insight into the meanings and underlying reasons behind difficulties.
Insight into what things really mean to us often leads to uncovering and experiencing feelings which, in turn, integrates or connects us to the issues with awareness. A sense of inner work and movement often follows; a mental/emotional stretch. Therapy usually takes us beyond where we can go by ourselves.
Psychotherapy also works through a special quality of relationship. The private ‘space’ offered in therapy should provide a safe and reliable environment to explore areas that we normally might prefer not to reveal. Therapy is strictly confidential. Over time a professional relationship may develop which makes it possible to face painful issues that may have been buried or denied. While no one likes pain it can be necessary to go into it and through it in order to move ahead. It also takes enormous energy to keep painful issues out of sight and mind. Correspondingly, energies are freed when formerly unspeakable issues have been faced.
Psychotherapy also specifically makes use of the professional relationship itself as a field of reference. What occurs between client and therapist often reflects other areas of our lives where similar issues may have occurred. Psychotherapists are trained to identify and work with those patterns. A potent facility for realisation and change comes from working directly with what happens immediately before and between us. This also differentiates psychotherapy from counselling, psychology and psychiatry – and why professional therapists keep strict boundaries, avoiding social contact outside of the consulting room.
