Psychotherapie

Psychotherapie is a formal set of treatments for mental health concerns delivered through confidential, collaborative conversation with a trained professional. The goal is to reduce distress, improve functioning, and enhance coping by understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and by developing new skills. It is used for conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related problems, and relationship difficulties.

Therapies are diverse but can be categorized into several broad families. Psychodynamic or psychoanalytic approaches focus on unconscious processes and early experiences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Humanistic and existential therapies emphasize self-acceptance, meaning, and personal growth. Systemic or family therapy considers relational patterns and context. Third-wave approaches (such as ACT and DBT) integrate mindfulness and acceptance. Other modalities include exposure therapies, EMDR, and interpersonal therapy. Therapies can be delivered individually, in groups, or with families, and may be conducted in person or via digital platforms.

Practice typically involves initial assessment, formulation, setting goals, and a structured treatment plan with regular sessions. Confidentiality and informed consent are central, with risk assessment when safety concerns arise. Therapy is usually short- to medium-term, with weekly or biweekly sessions, though some conditions require longer treatment.

Evidence supports varying efficacy by disorder and modality. CBT shows strong efficacy for depression, anxiety disorders, and several phobias; IPT is effective for depression; exposure-based therapies aid PTSD and OCD; psychodynamic approaches can benefit certain personality and relational difficulties. Access is expanding through online formats and brief interventions, though availability and cost remain barriers.

Psychotherapie is delivered by licensed professionals in clinics, hospitals, private practice, schools, and online settings, guided by ethics such as confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, and cultural competence.