Frequently Asked Questions
Must I have a mental illness to attend therapy?
Some people attend therapy in addition to attending a Psychiatrist but many people attend therapy of their own accord. All that is required is a willingness to talk openly and explore the presenting issue. People often find that their suffering is eased and their lives are enhanced through the experience of talking in a specialised therapeutic environment.
Do I have to be referred by my G.P or Psychiatrist?
Your G.P or Psychiatrist may refer you on to a Psychotherapist but you do not have to be attending a G.P or Psychiatrist if you decide to begin therapy. A Psychotherapist can usually be contacted directly for an appointment.
How long do people usually attend therapy for and how often?
The period over which a person attends therapy varies and depends on what they attend for. Some may attend for a number of weeks or months, others a number of years. Somebody may attend once or twice a week. The frequency of sessions can be discussed and decided upon with the therapist.
What should I talk about in a psychotherapy session?
There are any number of issues discussed in a therapy session. Why you find yourself in therapy is as good a place to start as any. You can discuss whatever you feel comfortable with and are not obliged to talk about topics you are not ready to talk about. Therapeutic work takes time. You can talk about the past, present, or the future.
Does Psychotherapy/Psychoanalysis focus on talking about the past?
No. People can talk about anything they want in a therapy session. Therapy of course involves talking about the past, as the past often effects the present and the future, but it is not necessarily the sole focus of the sessions.
What kind of conditions or illnesses can Psychotherapy help?
A person does not have to have a diagnosed mental illness to attend psychotherapy. However therapy can be very useful in the treatment of those who suffer with depression, anxiety, or phobias for example. Psychotherapists also work with people who have more moderate forms of mental illness such as bi polar disorder and schizophrenia. Often people with more serious conditions attend a psychiatrist also.
What is the difference between Psychotherapy and Psychiatry?
Very simply Psychiatrists are specialised medical doctors in the area of mental health and psychiatric illness. Practitioners of Psychiatry possess a medical degree and specialise in the diagnosis of mental illness and prescription of psychiatric medication such as anti depressants or anti psychotics. They follow the DSM (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and generally treat moderate to severe mental illness. Psychotherapists do not prescribe medication unless they are medical doctors. They do however often liaise with G.P’s and Psychiatrists. They specialise in listening and enabling the client to talk freely and openly in order to explore any issues or questions they have in life. Psychotherapists generally do not diagnose people and are educated to a Masters degree level and often doctorate level.
