Catherine Selth Spayd, Ph.D., P.C.
Licensed Psychologist
A Consumer's Guide to Psychotherapy
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy consists of a working relationship between you and
a mental health professional
such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker.
This page focuses on the work of
psychologists, who must hold a state license to use that title.
Psychotherapy gives you a chance
to explore your problems and try to change behaviors, attitudes,
or feelings you may find
troublesome. While a therapy session may seem like other
conversations on the surface, it is
different in several ways. You, the patient, are the central
focus in therapy, discussions have
specific goals, the psychologist is a neutral, objective person
who is not otherwise invested in
your world, and what you say is kept confidential. You will be
asked questions and provided
comments to think about. You may be asked to complete exercises
or be assigned "homework" between sessions.
Psychologists also work with couples and groups.
What Kind of Psychotherapy Approaches Are Used?
Different psychologists view problems and how to treat them
differently, because there are many
theories about how and why we become the way we are. Common
psychotherapy approaches include:
· Psychoanalytic: Difficulties originate in
experiences and unresolved conflicts from early
childhood, which can be identified and resolved in therapy.
· Behavioral: People learn to behave in certain
ways that create difficulties, but can re-learn
more positive behaviors.
· Cognitive: Faulty or irrational thinking
creates psychological problems but can be changed.
· Interpersonal: Psychological difficulties
influence and are influenced by our close
relationships and can best be solved by changing how we interact
with others.
Actually, most psychologists are "eclectic", making use
of a variety of techniques to best match
your concerns and strengths. The psychologist's warmth,
experience and knowledge are also
important.
What Are My Rights in Psychotherapy?
· The right to learn the fees up front. Check to see if they are
reasonable-What is the going
rate for that professional's level of training?
· The right to question any unusual recommendations or comments.
If, after attempting to resolve
any conflicts with your psychologist, you find him/her
unresponsive, you have the right for
referral to another therapist, and to have your records
transferred.
· The right to confidentiality.
· The right to know the psychologist's qualifications, training,
and experience.
How Do I Know if I Could Benefit From Psychotherapy?
While someone may suggest you would benefit from psychotherapy,
the final decision should be
yours. If you feel burdened by troublesome feelings, trapped in
an unwanted situation, or "stuck"
and unable to make changes you'd like to make, psychotherapy may
help. Even if you do not know
what is troubling you, but are upset over a period of time, a
psychologist can help you identify
the problem and a solution. Some of the many other reasons for
entering psychotherapy include:
· Noticing a significant change in yourself
that makes you unhappy.
· Feeling inadequate or badly about yourself.
· Troublesome relationships or poor communication with others.
· Feeling overwhelmed by stressful life circumstances.
· Physical symptoms related to stress like headaches, ulcers, or
high blood pressure.
· Sleep or sexual disorders.
· A desire for personal understanding or personal growth.
For Further Information
To express questions, concerns, or complaints, you may
contact the Ethics Committee of the
Pennsylvania Psychological Association, at (717) 232-3817