Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is the designation of psychological treatment and there are various therapeutic areas and many methods. The best scientifically supported method is cognitive therapy. It deals with the way that people think. Psychotherapy is based on a theoretical model, on clinical observations and an equal cooperation between patient and therapist.

If you are depressed, you know a lot about how it feels to be depressed. The therapist on the other hand knows a lot about the course of people's reactions and how changes can happen.

In Singapore, the psychotherapists specialise in the the following areas:

• cognitive behavioural therapy
• psychodynamic theory
• systemic therapy
• existential humanistic therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy's goal is to

• create a good alliance between you and your therapy
• make a thorough assessment of your problem
• find realistic goals for the treatment
• change the behaviour
• change the thoughts
• change the feelings
• help you achieve the necessary changes

If you are suffering from depression, the therapist will teach you to

• use methods that will reduce anxiety
• use methods that will increase your activity and mood
• build up your social skills
• build up your self-esteem
• regulate your feelings
• solve problems

There are different methods which correspond to different mental problems and conditions. It depends on the individual how much therapy is needed. But an average course of therapy is about 12-20 sessions if you are suffering from moderate depression. Read more about  cognitive therapy in depression.

Psychodynamic therapy

The treatment is based on Freud's theory on psychosexual stages, unconscious conflicts and defence mechanisms. In supportive conversations, where the therapist listens sympathetically, the emphasis is on which strategies "the conscious self" (the ego) uses to defend itself against anxiety.