Three Elements of Counseling & Psychotherapuetic Intervention

When a person is suffering from a mental illness, major life change or other social, behavioral or mental health problem, psychotherapy can be helpful. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that is also known as talk therapy, since it primarily involves talking about problems with a trained therapist. While there are many forms of psychotherapy available, most will have common goals and interventions meant to best help the client get better.

Increasing Self-Knowledge

• The primary goal for all types of therapy and therapeutic interventions is to increase self-awareness or self-knowledge. The reason for this is simple: when someone knows herself and her needs she is able to better function in the world. This is true no matter what problems a person faces. On a basic level, self-knowledge can help someone become aware of the problems she faces and what types of help might be available. For instance, a person who has a drinking problem can only change when she is aware that drinking is having a negative impact on her life. On a deeper level, however, self-awareness can help lead to self-actualization --- or the ability to reach one's fullest potential.

Solving Problems

• The purpose of psychotherapeutic interventions is to help the individual make important changes in his life and work through a primary problem. Most people start psychotherapy with the goal of solving a specific issue. The most clear-cut example of problem-solving interventions is seen in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses explicitly on using tangible interventions to solve problems. For instance, a common intervention for CBT therapists is to give homework, asking clients to practice skills at home. However, other forms of psychotherapy also use interventions that involve problem solving, although they are often less explicit and more process-oriented.

Using the Relationship

• For all therapists, the most important tool is building a solid therapeutic relationship with the client. Elements of good therapeutic relationships include developing a sense of trust, a strong rapport between therapist and client and strong boundaries. When these elements are all in play the client is able to feel free to discuss her issues and concerns. These elements make the therapeutic relationship different from a friendship, in that they allow the client the freedom to share without editing herself, and know that the therapist will work as an ally in a joint effort to help heal, without judgment.

Considerations

• Psychotherapy is not necessarily a pleasant experience. A good therapist will work with the client to help him to uncover painful memories and difficult habits. Since most people try to hide from the unpleasantness of life, these can be difficult things to face. However, through skilled interventions, and with an understanding of individual needs, therapists are able to guide clients through this process so that, in the long run, they can lead happier, more fulfilling lives.