Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or usually just "therapy," is a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health problems. Provided by any of a variety of trained professionals—psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or licensed counselors—it involves examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced by individuals, couples, or families.
What Is Therapy? (Plain Language Explanation)
Therapy refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Therapy
- Symptoms: The specific ways therapy shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen therapy
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When therapy occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Therapy
- Therapy is far more common than most people realize
- Therapy is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with therapy see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about therapy is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing therapy, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.