Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy

Noun · /ˌsaɪkəʊˈθerəpi/ · the treatment of mental and emotional disorders through talking and structured therapeutic methods

Definition

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural difficulties through structured conversation, relationship, and evidence-based psychological techniques — rather than medication. A trained therapist works with a client to explore thoughts, feelings, patterns of behaviour, and past experiences in order to reduce distress, change unhelpful patterns, and improve wellbeing. The umbrella term covers dozens of approaches, from cognitive behavioural therapy to psychoanalysis to person-centred therapy.

Origin

From Greek psyche — soul or mind — and therapeia — healing or care — from therapeuein, meaning to attend, serve, or treat. The word combines two ancient ideas: the mind and its healing. It entered modern English in the late 19th century as Sigmund Freud and Josef Breuer developed the first talking cure — a method of treating psychological distress by speaking, rather than by physical or pharmaceutical intervention. The concept that words could heal the mind was, at the time, a radical idea.