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What is Psychotherapy
Some Basic Concepts  When Should You Consider Psychotherapy?  F.A.Q. About Psychotherapy
Some Basic Concepts

There are many types of therapy and many theoretical approaches, but all tend to share the following assumptions:

Therapy must be tailored to the individual.  Each person’s emotional make-up is unique, since each person has his or her personal history, life experience, and personality style.  In addition, each person has a characteristic way of tackling difficult problems, and we all have strong points and weak points which help or hinder us in coping with emotional troubles.  Therapy works best when all these factors are taken into account.  The “best” therapy for each person depends on all these factors.  Standardized approaches to treatment are rarely flexible enough to account for the uniqueness of each individual.

Trust is essential.  Psychotherapy works best when you as the consumer trust the competence and integrity of the therapist and when there is strong rapport.  A therapist is most likely to be helpful if you are able to communicate your thoughts, feelings and concerns clearly.  If you do not feel able to be open and forthcoming, the quality of the treatment you receive may be compromised.

Everyone is at least a little nervous when they first begin psychotherapy.  A competent therapist, however, is experienced in helping you overcome these natural feelings of discomfort, and in listening without being judgmental. 

Privacy is crucial.  Trust and openness develop most easily when you know that the things you say will not leave the room.  No information about therapy sessions can be released without your permission.  There are exceptions to this rule in very strictly defined cases in which a client is either a clear or present danger to themselves or others, or when there is a reasonable suspicion that minors are being neglected or abused.  The Connecticut Psychotherapists’ Guild has been very concerned about violations of privacy which may occur in the insurance company review of therapy sessions.  The Guild has also been very concerned about insurance companies’ use of computerized client information.