Given the wide array of processes and procedures commonly referred to as “psychotherapy,” creating a short, accurate definition for the word can be difficult in the least.

That having been said, psychotherapy can be defined as a process focused on helping people heal from emotional and psychological problems as well as learn constructive methods to deal with life’s challenges by using the rapport and trust built between a client and a professional therapist.

Psychotherapy can also provide support if you’re going through a difficult life transitions or facing a period of extreme anxiety and stress, such as when dealing with a separation or divorce, beginning a new career, or struggling with the loss of a loved one.

Most psychotherapy tends to be goal-oriented and is focused on solving the particular problems that causeyou to seek professional help. At the beginning of therapy, you and your therapist will discuss the particular changes you’d like to create, decide on the goals of treatment, and break these goals down into more easily achievable milestones so you can track your progress.

Achieving therapeutic goals is accomplished through open communication and using techniques your therapist provides to help you navigate the issues you’re facing. Your therapist will also recommend tools and help you develop techniques that will allow you to overcome new obstacles in your life long after therapy is complete.

How is psychotherapy different from simply talking about your problems?

While most psychotherapy centers on the communication and rapport built between you and your therapist, successful therapy requires much more than simply talking about your problems.

Family and friends may be able to help you feel better from time to time, and some may even provide sound advice for you to consider. However, these interactions are not the same as psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a solely professional relationship between you and a therapist that is different from all other relationships in a couple of vital ways.

The nature of the psychotherapy relationship

As mentioned, the relationship between you and your therapist is strictly professional. The therapist-client relationship exists solely for your benefit and to help you accomplish the goals you set at the start of therapy. Your therapist expects nothing from you in return for their services other than payment for their time.

This is a critical point and the defining factor between the therapy relationship and any other relationships. You can discuss almost anything with your therapist without worrying about offending them, about them telling someone else, or about having what you say affecting your career or other relationships in any way.

Another important difference between your relationship with your therapist and other relationships you have is that your therapist will rarely, if ever, discuss their personal opinions with you in order for you to feel as comfortable as possible and do not alter the way you talk about yourself.

The nature of therapeutic communication

Unlike friends, family members, and colleagues, therapists are trained to understand what you say, what you don’t say, and how you do or don’t communicate. Your therapist will pay attention to your body language, intonation, and other cues to fully understand your thoughts, feelings, and ability to express yourself.

Therapists have received lengthy education and training to help them understand the specific problems you’re facing. They are well-versed in the symptoms of psychological disorders and skilled at helping people cope with and resolve the difficulties and stresses of daily life.

Therapists also know what questions to ask to help you open up and express yourself honestly, and your therapist will likely pose a few questions you’ve never heard before. Bear in mind, the communication between you and your therapist will not be equal. Therapists will almost never discuss their personal opinions on topics such as religion or politics.

Who can benefit from psychotherapy?

It is not uncommon for therapy to be sought whenever a person is having difficulties with a career, relationship, or life issue or a particular emotional concern that causes emotional discomfort or anguish that continues for more than a couple of weeks.

As with any rule, there are exceptions, but for the most part there is little to no problem going to therapy even if you’re not sure you can benefit from it. Millions of people seek the help and support of psychotherapists every year, and most research indicates that people who do so find therapy beneficial. Additionally, most psychotherapists will tell you if they believe you don’t need psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy is most effective when you begin therapy on your own initiative and have a strong desire to create the changes you seek. If you don’t want to change, change will be slow to arrive if it comes at all.

Creating change requires altering the behaviors and beliefs that no longer serve your best interests. As psychotherapy is about challenging one’s beliefs about the way the world functions, you should keep your mind open and be willing to try new things.

If you’re ready to seek professional help and do the work necessary to make therapy a success, psychotherapy can help you create positive, lasting changes in your life and be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.