1. Since some of the problems we may have are not caused by medical dysfunctions, they can not be treated by a physician. Some of the problems that we may have are caused by psychological factors. In order to find out if this is the case, psychological assessment and diagnosis is needed. In this situation, psychotherapy is an important treatment method.
2. A psychotherapist does not give advice, but he/she is a health professional trained to identify and treat non-medical causes of patients’ problems.
3. Psychotherapy sessions take place regularly at average intervals of 1-2 weeks. The number of sessions required varies, depending on the severity of the problem and on the patient’s personal resources for change. The average number of sessions is between 10-12 sessions, during 3-4 months. The therapy sessions refer to:
- Psychological assessment of patient problems: finding the resources and personal vulnerabilities;
- Formulating goals for change;
- Development of an action plan and requirements for implementing the change that the patient needs;
- Monitoring changes and problem status to improve the patient’s progress;
- Follow-up.
4. Psychotherapy is confidential. Information provided by the patient during psychotherapy is confidential, in order to ensure patient safety and comfort. In exceptional circumstances, where the safety of the patient or of other persons is endangered, the psychotherapist will communicate to the patient the need to convey information to the family doctor, psychiatrist or other person involved in the patient’s life. The information that the psychotherapist has is never made available to others without observing the data protection protocol and without informing the patient about the data that needs to be disclosed.
5. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for problems such as panic attacks, anxiety, depression, insomnia, somatization, chronic fatigue, couple problems, quitting smoking, weight loss or weight control, etc.
