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What is it about ?
Psychotherapy is a method of treating psychological and psychosomatic symptoms and problems.
Psychic problems include anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, and addiction problems. They often have their origin in a negative experience. Symptoms are usually unrelated to the underlying mental health problem and therefore do not reflect the severity of the illness. Mental problems can come on suddenly (acute attack), be transient or become chronic.
People with psychosomatic symptoms express their emotions through physical symptoms, which change quickly. Treatments are often only useful for a short time; usually the person is convinced that their complaints are due to a physical illness. Sometimes the anxiety and uncertainty associated with an actual illness also results in symptoms of this type.
It is obvious that a purely physical approach to the symptoms will not provide a solution. In addition to medication, a form of psychological assistance is also possible. Psychotherapy can be used.
Psychotherapy is based on discussions between the person suffering from mental problems or psychosomatic symptoms and the care provider (doctor or psychotherapist). It aims to change a certain vision or conviction of the person, to accept his painful feelings or to change the way he faces difficult situations. There are different types of psychotherapy:
- In the supportive psychotherapy, the therapist listens to your concerns, analyzes them and tries to reassure you. He is looking at what is going well in your life, and he will emphasize that. For what goes less well, he will support you with advice.
- The psychotherapy in crisis intervention is used to manage crisis situations which have a major impact on the daily functioning of the person. The emphasis is then placed on short-term intensive support.
- The brief psychotherapy is useful in motivated people. The approach is focused on a particular problem. We try to teach the person to think differently to face a difficult situation.
- etc.
How often is it applied?
5 to 20% of patients with chronic illness who see a general practitioner have psychosomatic problems. Psychotherapy is used more and more often, generally as a first step in dealing with psychological difficulties. Psychotherapy is preferred to treatment with drugs.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosing mental health problems and psychosomatic symptoms can be difficult. Often tests are done first because the doctor suspects a physical illness. If no abnormalities are found, they may be psychosomatic symptoms.
Not everyone readily admits that they need psychological support. If the doctor himself talks about it, this is often the first step in accepting help.
What can you do ?
Sometimes the therapist gives you homework assignments. So, he may ask you to keep a journal or to work on something that you find difficult.
What can the therapist do?
The therapist helps you determine your goals and teaches you how to deal with the situation. He tries to discuss issues that you do not address yourself directly. The type of psychotherapy depends on the type of problem and the goals you want to achieve. In the event of a serious problem, the opinion of a psychiatrist may be requested.
Want to know more?
- Depression – let’s talk about health
- Depression: drugs or psychotherapy? – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Mental Health Services – The Social Guide
- Find a therapist – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
- Find a psychologist – Commission des psychologues
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