WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Attempting to seek out counseling or psychotherapy can be a confusing process for most people. For instance, what’s the difference between psychotherapy and counseling? What type of therapist will work best for me? How does psychotherapy treatment work? Between these questions and the many misconceptions out there about what psychotherapy actually is, it’s common to feel lost in a cloud of psychological terms and jargon.

We hope that we can answer some of these questions about counseling and clarify what psychotherapy is so you feel more comfortable reaching out and getting help. Psychotherapy itself is very divergent. There are hundreds of scientifically-backed psychotherapies, methods, approaches that all are all considered effective. They all fall under the umbrella of psychotherapy.

In essence, psychotherapy is about helping you deal with and manage your emotions and connect with others. Throughout human history, we’ve developed emotional defenses to help us cope and survive challenges. These same defenses that were once helping us survive are now what’s causing many of our problems today. This is an example of why someone would seek out psychotherapy. 

Psychotherapy Treatment for Emotional Defenses

Let’s explore this example of using psychotherapy to treat emotional defenses further. I had a client who sought out therapy because they were experiencing depressive symptoms. They reported two incidents of being demeaned at work by a supervisor. 

After the first incident, they blamed themselves for being ‘stupid’, and after the second, they made excuses for the supervisor. For most healthy individuals, being demeaned or treated unfairly would typically lead to an appropriate degree of anger. Instead, this client self-attacked and then rationalized the supervisor’s unacceptable behavior. They didn’t realize this at the time, but blocking their anger and expressing self-doubt were directly related to their feelings of low self-worth and depression. 

At some point in this person’s life, they had to block anger for a good reason. Perhaps they had to protect themselves from a shaming or abusive parent and expressing anger towards them would have triggered abuse or abandonment. In this instance, suppressing anger was a survival strategy to avoid negative outcomes and maintain attachment to a caregiver. 

Throughout the process of psychotherapy, I help my clients realize that they don’t have to be ashamed of their emotional defenses. I encourage them to realize that they were necessary and effective at that time in their development. Now, with the help of psychotherapy and treatment, they can learn to let go of those defenses. 

Psychotherapy is about working to discontinue old emotional defenses and learn to feel and use our core emotions effectively. Psychotherapy helps us learn to use the resources nature has designed to help us cope with the world and construct a meaningful and fulfilling life. For many of us, the environments we were raised in failed to give us adequate skills in this area, which is why we turn to psychotherapy and counseling.

In this example, I helped this client start to connect with what we call “healthy anger” and transform this emotion into something positive. This led to them standing up for themselves, confronting the supervisor, and eventually accepting new employment in a more supportive and satisfying work environment. Psychotherapy is not about eliminating emotions, such as anger or sadness, it’s about learning to feel our core emotions and use them effectively.

Psychotherapy Treatment for Relational Defenses

In addition to emotional defenses, many individuals have developed relational defenses, such as pushing others away to avoid painful loss or feelings of inadequacy. Perhaps, they were abandoned as a child or experienced the loss of someone close to them. Subsequently, they would not allow themselves to connect in another relationship. While in some way, this protected them from further loss, it also resulted in the continued loss of the closeness, comfort, and support they could have received from the relationships they avoided.

The process is the same as with emotional defenses: the relinquishment of the relational defense and the full experience of connecting with another. This leads to a much richer and fuller life both relationally and emotionally.

Psychotherapy is not just about overcoming painful feelings or distress symptoms but achieving your full potential as a person in all areas. How good could your life become? The psychotherapist’s role is to provide a safe and supportive relationship from which to achieve these goals. It is very collaborative – something we do together. The relationship needs to be real and authentic or therapy will not work. 

My Work as a Boynton Beach Psychotherapist

As clients begin to achieve their therapeutic goals and gain an increased understanding of the process, they frequently say two things: Wow! I didn’t expect all of this would happen; and everyone should be in here. To this, I say a resounding, yes!

I love my work as a psychotherapist primarily because of the relationships I get to develop with my clients, the meaningfulness of sharing intimate moments with them, and the joy of watching them transform in numerous ways.

Everyone can benefit tremendously from psychotherapy in all aspects of their life. Remember, in essence, psychotherapy is about helping you learn how to experience and use your core emotions effectively and how to have greater connections with others.

Contact Gateway Counseling Center

If you have been considering participating in psychotherapy, I encourage you to take the leap. Listen to the words of one of my clients during a Q & A session after a lecture I gave recently. He stated, “My work with John has literally changed my life.” This is the potential good psychotherapy can have. I do not share this to assert my accomplishment, but to share what is possible for every client who chooses to do this work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy

If you’re considering counseling and psychotherapy, it’s common to have questions and concerns about the process or how the treatment works. Below are some questions we often receive from clients considering psychotherapy. Hopefully, the answers we provide about mental health, psychotherapy, therapists, counseling, and other concepts related to treatment can help you feel more confident and positive about the process. If you still have questions or feel apprehensive about seeking therapy, feel free to contact our Boynton Beach Gateway Counseling Center to speak with a counselor or psychotherapist to learn more. 

What are the credentials of a psychotherapist?

Clients are often mystified by the long lists of letters and initials following a psychotherapist or counselor’s name. Some of those letters will represent their level of education (such as M.S. or Master of Science), while others will represent their certification, type of license, and area of expertise (such as L.M.F.T. or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) There are many different types of psychotherapists, therapy, mental health counseling, and social work. When looking for the right therapist, it’s important to take these credentials into consideration. At the most basic level, you want to make sure that your counselor has at least a graduate degree and some type of certification and licensure. 

If you’d like to learn more about the educational background and credentials of a counselor or psychotherapist at Gateway Counseling Center, don’t hesitate to reach out to our counseling office. We’d be happy to discuss our therapists’ backgrounds, degrees, and other areas of expertise so you feel comfortable moving forward with treatment. 

What does a psychotherapist do?

Essentially, a psychotherapist or counselor is there to help us understand how we use our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ineffective ways and transform them into positive and effective ways of living. A psychotherapist will use various scientifically-backed therapies, methods, and approaches to help you learn to become more self-aware and cope with your challenges so you can lead a fulfilling life. A psychotherapist provides a safe space to share your story, feelings, and thoughts. Psychotherapy is a collective effort, meaning that you work together to build the tools you need to heal so you can have better relationships, understand your self-worth, and feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally. A psychotherapist may also help you identify a mental health disorder that may be inhibiting many areas of your life. For instance, if you suffer from frequent panic attacks, a psychotherapist may be able to tell you if you’re dealing with a type of anxiety disorder, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), or another mental health issue that could be triggering your stress and panic. 

This explanation may seem broad or vague and you may be looking for more specific words on how a psychotherapist can help you. We understand that every client is a unique individual with their own personal life experiences that have contributed to why they’re seeking therapy. We want you to know that Gateway Counseling Center is here for you. To learn more about what a psychotherapist does or hear examples of types of therapy and treatment that could be helpful to you, give us a call today. We’d be happy to schedule you an appointment to meet with a counselor or psychotherapist either in person or online. 

What are examples of psychotherapy?

Some examples of psychotherapy are Cognitive Therapy, which examines our thought processes, Behavioral Therapy, which examines our learned behaviors, and Couples or Family Therapy, which considers a partnership or family unit when using treatment strategies to resolve conflict. There are hundreds of different scientifically-backed psychological treatments, therapies, strategies, tools, approaches, and counseling methods that all fall under the category of psychotherapy. As mental health professionals, it’s our job to discover what type of psychotherapy is best for you and your circumstances. It’s the client’s job to commit to therapy, be open to the treatment, and work together with their therapist to reach their mental health goals. 

Some of the psychotherapies we use on a regular basis are:

• AEDP therapy
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

If you’re curious about the various types of therapy we use at the Gateway Counseling Center, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We love to discuss our work and the ways in which we help people. To learn more about different examples of psychotherapy, contact our office today to speak with a counselor. 

What should you tell your therapist on your first visit?

New clients will often feel nervous or anxious about their very first visit to speak with a mental health counselor or psychotherapist. When you finally gain the courage to find a psychotherapist and schedule an appointment at a counseling center, approaching the first visit can feel overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that your first visit is simply the first step in your journey towards a more fulfilling life. There is no right or wrong way to approach your first visit. Use it as an opportunity to get to know your counselor, understand what psychotherapy is, and address any immediate life-threatening issues (such as thoughts of suicide). Keep in mind that your mental health counselor or therapist will guide you as well. They’ll ask you questions and answer any questions you may have. The one important thing to remember is that nothing is ever completely resolved after your first psychotherapy visit. Your first visit with a therapist is just the beginning of the healing process. 

If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about your first psychotherapy visit, remember that Gateway Counseling Center is a safe and supportive environment with mental health professionals that understand how tough it is to begin therapy for the first time. Call our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about what to expect during an initial psychotherapy session and how we can ease any anxiety about your first visit.

When should you see a psychotherapist?

Every client decides to see a psychotherapist for different reasons at different points in their life. However, in order to help you understand if it’s the right time for you to see a therapist, you can ask yourself some key questions. For instance, are your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors inhibiting you from reaching goals, building relationships, or enjoying your life? Do you experience excessive negative thoughts or emotions that prevent you from accomplishing daily tasks? Are you ready to identify these psychological issues and work with a mental health counselor or therapist to build a better future? If your answer is ‘yes’, to any of these questions, now is the time to seek help. In addition, if you’re experiencing life-threatening thoughts, such as thoughts of suicide, it’s important to contact a crisis center or mental health professional immediately. 

Many people will depend on friends or family members to try to work out psychological disorders, mental health issues, or emotional problems. While we always encourage utilizing your support systems, working with a mental health professional and licensed psychotherapist is your best approach. Friends or family members may not have the educational background or training in mental health or psychology to provide you with the essential tools you need to heal. If you think you’re ready to get help, contact the Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach today to schedule an appointment with a therapist.

What’s the difference between counselors and therapists?

You might hear people use the terms “therapist” and “counselor” or “psychotherapy” and “counseling” interchangeably. While in some states, a certification or license might indicate a slight difference between the two, our counseling center uses both terms to apply to the same thing. Both a therapist and a counselor are mental health professionals that have the education, licensure, and certification to conduct forms of therapy, psychotherapy treatment, and counseling methods to help clients. You may refer to your therapist as a counselor, or your counselor as a therapist, or therapy as counseling and visa versa, and all of these uses are accurate in this context. 

What makes a good therapist?

When you realize that you’re ready to seek help and participate in psychotherapy, your next task is finding a therapist that’s right for you. It’s true that while one therapist might work wonderfully for one individual, another individual might not find their communication style helpful. However, there are some general characteristics to look for when you’re beginning your search for a good therapist. First, at the most basic level, you want to make sure that they’re licensed, insured, and have experience. The field of psychology has evolved over the last decade and anyone from social media influencers to spiritual life coaches are now considered potential therapists. Make sure that your counselor or therapist can show you credentials and prove that they’re a licensed mental health professional. 

Second, consider the reason why you’re seeking therapy. This will help you choose the right therapist for you. For instance, if you’re experiencing marital issues and you’d like for you and your partner to see a counselor together, then you’ll want to work with someone who specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy. If you’re a veteran who has been experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you’ll want to find a therapist that has worked with veterans in the past. Lastly, a good therapist is simply someone that makes you feel comfortable, safe, and provides the space you need to share your story. If you’ve seen a therapist and they don’t make you feel comfortable, safe, or welcomed, they’re not the right therapist for you. 

At Gateway Counseling Center, our therapists specialize in many different areas, such as couples counseling, grief counseling, PTSD treatment, family therapy, and much more. If you’re ready to get help and find the right therapist for you, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Boynton Beach Gateway Counseling Center

If you’re ready to make a change and work with a licensed psychotherapist, Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach is here for you. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.

If you are searching online for the best psychotherapists in Palm Beach county, look no further. The psychotherapists at Gateway Counseling Center located in Boynton Beach, FL have decades of experience and are top rated by hundreds of clients who have found Gateway Counseling amongst the best Palm Beach County psychotherapists.

Boynton Beach Psychotherapist

If you are looking for a psychotherapist that’s available for online consultations or a psychotherapist near Boynton Beach Florida open for office visits, please call us today at 561-468-6464.