What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often simply called “therapy,” is a process where you talk to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The aim is to understand yourself better, work through challenges, and find healthier ways of coping with life’s difficulties.

A therapy session usually looks like a guided conversation. You might share what’s been troubling you, and your therapist helps you reflect, explore patterns, and build tools for emotional well-being. It isn’t about giving quick advice or fixing you — it’s about creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and make sense of what’s going on.

What Does a Therapy Session Look Like?

• Safe and private space – Sessions are confidential.

• Conversations at your pace – You can choose what to bring up.

• Exploration and reflection – The therapist helps you look deeper into your experiences.

• Goal-oriented work – Sometimes therapy focuses on specific concerns like anxiety or relationship issues; other times, it’s about overall growth.

Each person’s journey in therapy looks different — it’s shaped by your unique needs and the style of the therapist.

Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists

People often get confused between these two roles:

• Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who can prescribe medication for mental health concerns.

• Psychologist (or therapist) – A professional trained to provide psychotherapy, helping you through conversations and emotional support rather than medication.

Some people work with just one professional, while others may benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, depending on their needs.