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In the preceding chapter, you have studied about major psychological disorders and the distress caused by them to the patient and others. In this chapter, you will learn about the various therapeutic methods that are used by psychotherapists to help their patients. There are various types of psychotherapy. Some of them focus on acquiring self-understanding; other therapies are more action-oriented. All approaches hinge on the basic issue of helping the patient overcome her/his debilitating condition. The effectiveness of a therapeutic approach for a patient depends on a number Introduction of factors such as severity of the disorder, degree of distress faced by others, and the availability of time, effort and money, among others. All therapeutic approaches are corrective and helping in nature. All of them involve an interpersonal relationship between the therapist and the client or patient. Some of them are directive in nature, such as psychodynamic, while some are non-directive such as person-centred. In this chapter, we will briefly discuss some of the major forms of psychotherapy. An untrained person may unintentionally NATURE AND PROCESS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY cause more harm than any good, (iii) the Psychotherapy is a voluntary relationship therapeutic situation involves a therapist between the one seeking treatment or the and a client who seeks and receives help client and the one who treats or the for her/his emotional problems (this therapist. The purpose of the relationship person is the focus of attention in the therapeutic process), and (iv) the is to help the client to solve the psychological problems being faced by her interaction of these two persons — the or him. The relationship is conducive for therapist and the client — results in the building the trust of the client so that consolidation/formation of the therapeutic relationship. This is a confidential, problems may be freely discussed. interpersonal, and dynamic relationship. Psychotherapies aim at changing the This human relationship is central to any maladaptive behaviours, decreasing the sense of personal distress, and helping sort of psychological therapy and is the vehicle for change. the client to adapt better to her/his All psychotherapies aim at a few or environment. Inadequate marital, all of the following goals : occupational and social adjustment also (i) Reinforcing client’s resolve for requires that major changes be made in an individual’s personal environment. betterment. (ii) Lessening emotional pressure. All psychotherapeutic approaches have (iii) Unfolding the potential for positive the following characteristics : (i) there is growth. systematic application of principles (iv) Modifying habits. underlying the different theories of therapy, (v) Changing thinking patterns. (ii) persons who have received practical (vi) Increasing self-awareness. training under expert supervision can (vii) Improving interpersonal relations practice psychotherapy, and not everybody. and communication. 90 Psychology Reprint 2026-27