What is Psychotherapy?
The word “psyche” refers to the forces in an individual that influence thought, behaviour and personality. Borrowed from the ancient Greek, psukhe, it refers to the concept of self, encompassing modern ideas of soul, self, and mind. The word therapy is also borrowed from the ancient Greek therapeuein to attend, assist and hold in attention. So, psychotherapy is a place where both you and your therapist can together attend, assist, and hold in attention your body, mind and soul, through examining your thoughts, behaviour, and personality.
Some people refer to psychotherapy as “talking treatment” because it is generally based on an individual talking to a therapist. However, psychotherapy is much more than talking about your problems. While family or friends can help you feel better or even provide good advice for change, this is not psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is a professional relationship between a therapist and a client. Therapists are trained to understand what you say and how you say it. They pay close attention to body language, voice tone and content to fully understand what you are trying to say.
You can tell therapists things without having to worry about your information being told to others or in any way affecting your job, family or relationships.
How Does Psychotherapy Work?
The way in which Dr. Shroff will work with you will depend in part on what you seek from psychotherapy, how you understand your difficulties, abilities and available support, and any time-constraints you have. She believes that the relationship between the therapist and the client should be a collaborative one, in which both the therapist and client work together to come to an agreement on the goals and focus of therapy.
The underpinning principle is that psychotherapy is no magic cure; rather, the capacity for cure lies within each person. Over time, clients develop a sense of mastery over their situations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
How many Sessions Will I Need?
How long any treatment lasts depends on a number of factors; it may be as short as a few sessions or continue for a few years. When you begin therapy, an initial assessment will take place. From this assessment Dr. Shroff will be able to give you a rough idea of the duration of your treatment. Dr. Shroff generally provides sessions once or twice a week depending on clients need and preference. Sessions take place at the same place and time each week and last 50 minutes.
Is What I Talk About Confidential?
Dr. Shroff will respect your privacy fully. Everything you say to her is bound by confidentiality. She will not disclose anything that you say, or even that you are attending therapy to others, without having discussed it with you and gained your verbal and written consent.
Dr. Shroff will only break confidentiality and disclose information without your consent in the event that it is required by law, or you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else.
Have Another Question?
If you have any other questions or concerns, please complete the contact form. Your query will be answered by Dr. Shroff’s practice. Your information will remain confidential.
