FAQ about psychotherapy
Many questions arise when deciding to seek a psychotherapist. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about how psychotherapy is organized and what to expect at PsihoKreacija. Read on to learn more about the process, what to expect from it, and why Transactional Analysis is a good fit for you as a client.
- What exactly is psychotherapy?
- What should you anticipate from psychotherapy?
- How frequently should sessions be planned?
- What is the method of payment?
- Why is psychotherapy so expensive, and is it worthwhile to invest in it?
Look for the answers to the most frequently asked questions about psychotherapy!
1. What exactly is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a planned change process that is guided and supported by a psychotherapist. It is critical to emphasize that the client is at the centre of this process and decides which changes he or she wants to work on and how intensely.
Psychotherapy can mean different things to different people, depending on their needs and desires. One of the fundamental principles of Transactional Analysis is that the client and psychotherapist agree on the goals that are being worked on in order for the process to be transparent and structured. This allows for easier progress monitoring and mutual involvement in the relationship.
The client and a psychotherapist share responsibility for the therapeutic relationship.
The therapeutic relationship is different from other relationships in our lives. Here, both sides are focused on the client, and the therapist is guiding, providing support, pointing to new perspectives, and occasionally confronting with respect and empathy. To encourage positive changes and personal development, the therapeutic experience should be both challenging and supportive. The client is an active participant in this process as well.
Therapy is not “done” to you; instead, you are an active participant in the process.
2. What is the most important aspect of the psychotherapy process?
The most significant aspect is trust.
The relationship between the therapist and the client, which is built on trust, is essential. Everything stated in therapy remains strictly confidential. The exceptions exist only when it comes to the notion of the intent to commit a serious offence, in which case the therapist is required to file a report according to the profession’s rules.
The therapist-client relationship is the foundation of the work because it provides the opportunity to learn about how we function with ourselves and others, how we influence them, and the possibility of feedback in a safe and supportive environment. The therapist frequently invites clients to express how they are feeling in the present moment, which is critical for becoming aware of one’s own emotions and sensations and developing an assertive expression of them.
During therapy, you may feel overwhelmed or experience a strong, specific emotion. It is critical to bring this up in therapy and communicate with the therapist. This may appear strange or frightening, but these are critical components of therapy that allow for further development.
3. What is the duration of one session?
Frequency and duration
Sessions at PsihoKreacija are 50 to 60 minutes long. The frequency of the sessions depends on the client and his availability; however, for efficient work, once a week to once every two weeks is recommended. The therapy does not only refer to work done during sessions but also between them, so small homework assignments are possible.
In therapy, you can say things that make you uncomfortable or angry, and you will get a different reaction from the usual one that may cause frustration. That way, you can create a new experience.
4. What should I anticipate in a counselling session?
What should we expect from therapy?
Respect, trust, empathy, honesty, support, and understanding.
What not to expect in therapy?
Following advice and ready-made solutions, taking sides in a conflict, and judging oneself and/or others.
5. What is the cost of psychotherapy, and how is it paid?
One session at PsihoKreacija costs 50 Euros. Payments are made transactionally via invoice at the end of each month. The invoice is sent via email. It is not possible to pay with cash or credit cards. If you cannot attend the session, you must cancel it 24 hours before, or you will be charged.
6. Termination of psychotherapy.
The client is free to quit therapy at any time; however, he or she must notify the therapist in advance to complete the entire process.
7. Why is psychotherapy so expensive, and is it worthwhile to invest in it?
Working on yourself takes time, effort, and patience. To provide quality service, the psychotherapist should be educated and supervised regularly. The therapist’s work with the client does not end with the session; rather, it is just beginning. A psychotherapist’s daily activities include continuing learning, improving one’s abilities, exchanging information with other mental health experts, and developing a treatment plan for each client.
Psychotherapy is a process that requires consistency and commitment. It allows for discovering unconscious aspects of oneself and increasing awareness of the possibilities for growth, development, and free choice. It reveals perspectives we had no idea existed and our own potentials we had never considered. We can apply what we’ve learned in various areas of our lives to improve our quality of life and relationships with others. Psychotherapy is an investment that pays off years later, from the smallest life details to the most important life decisions.
8. What type of psychotherapy is used at PsihoKreacija?
At PsihoKreacija we use Transactional Analysis when working with clients. TA is one of the modern psychotherapy methods that is widely accepted around the world. It was developed at the end of the 1950s, so it has gained strong experience and successful application in various fields. The Transactional Analysis combines several concepts and techniques, and it stands out due to the abundance of specific tools that help the client understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
One of the most important aspects of TA is its range and diversity. It originates in psychoanalysis, which provides a deep understanding of human behaviour. This is followed by her original concepts, which provide insight into how much our early experiences shaped who we are today, as well as concrete tools for working on change.
Working with trauma, improving interpersonal communication and relationships with others, strengthening self-confidence and self-esteem, and raising awareness of limiting beliefs, behaviours, intergenerational inheritance, anxiety, and depression are all good candidates for TA. More information on Transactional Analysis can be found at the link.