Psychotherapy offers a confidential, non-critical, compassionate and objective space for the person to experience themselves in the presence of another.
The relationship with the therapist is bound by the ethical framework, yet, presents an unparalleled opportunity to exist in an intimate, negotiable and safe context of attachment. This creates an environment where the client can feel emotionally and mentally nurtured. When settled in this safe and nurturing, but still stimulating and challenging relationship, the client can gradually let go of her emotional defenses and begin to make sense of her difficulties (Reflect). This leads to a creative awareness where the person can articulate her issues initially in a relational context with the therapist and gradually with the significant people in her life (Articulate). As a result of integrating her unarticulated needs, difficulties, problems etc. , she begins to feel empowered, potent and clear in her life (Integrate). We refer to this productive cycle as ‘Reflect – Articulate – Integrate’.
Psychotherapy sessions usually occur once or twice a week depending on the agreement between the client and the therapist. Each session lasts for 50 minutes. Making enough space around these 50 minutes is highly advisable for the clients.
The first couple of sessions are for getting to know each other and to familiarize the client with the process. During this time, both the client and the therapist mutually assess each other’s suitability for working together. If and when necessary, the psychotherapist may bring up the need to consult with a GP or a psychiatrist about the possibility that the client may benefit from a medical input in addition to psychotherapy. Similarly, during this process, the client can also decide that she may need to consult a different psychotherapist.
If this introductory process results in the client and the therapist contracting to work together, then the length of the psychotherapy process can be mutually decided upon based on the client’s needs and the therapist’s input. There are both open ended as well as time restricted modes of psychotherapy, both of which can be equally effective based on the person’s needs.
