Psychotherapy is a formal and professional relationship in a non-judgmental, confidential setting, within which clients can profitably explore difficult, and often painful, emotions and experiences. It is a process that seeks to help clients gain an increased capacity for choice, through which they can become more autonomous and self determined. Psychotherapists work with people who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, psychological or mental difficulties. These may include feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, or perhaps the loss of meaning of one's life.

The actual work is mainly to encourage the client to talk and explore their feelings, beliefs, thoughts and, sometimes, relevant aspects of and events in their childhood and personal history. Some psychotherapists work to help clients understand more about their problems and then make appropriate changes in their thinking and behaviour. As a result, the work can last over quite a long term. Brief psychotherapy is, however, also possible, especially to help someone resolve a more immediate crisis.

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy   www.psychotherapy.org.uk