Psychiatric symptoms, like depression and anxiety, can develop for many reasons. Some possible causes are linked to our genetic heritage, to past traumatic experiences and to the manner in which we perceive and live our lives. Understanding the context in which these symptoms are developed and maintained is important because it can help us develop effective  treatment strategies and assist the process of self-discovery. Psychiatric symptoms may also be signs that we are not treating ourselves with kindness or that we are choosing to place ourselves in situations that are discordant with our true-selves.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is an encounter between a psychologist and a person interested in strengthening him or herself and in finding better ways to interact with his or her environment. Relationships between psychologist and patients tend to be strong and supportive. This type of relationship is necessary to facilitate the process through which each person verbalizes his or her life narrative. With the help of a psychologist, this narrative can grow to include different view points and awareness upon previously ignored or denied aspects. Moreover, this delicate process has been shown to have significant, positive, and long lasting effects on cognitions and behaviors outside therapy sessions. For instance, psychotherapy can help patients increase their emotion regulation skills, become less reactive and, perhaps, less affected by negative thoughts and emotions. Psychotherapy also has the added benefit of increasing people’s ability to relate to themselves and others in a more accepting, honest and meaningful manner.

Patients usually start treatment with a goal in mind, which often includes a desire to lessen suffering or to increase self-knowledge. Oftentimes, people in treatment feel that therapy has been successful when they acquire effective coping skills, develop cognitive and behavioral flexibility to deal with ever changing life circumstances, and for some, the marker of success is when they feel closer to identifying and moving towards their unique path (their unique way of being in the world) with increased understanding, acceptance and commitment. These outcomes, in turn, are likely to help people become more forgiving of their own shortcomings,  have increased capacity for intimacy, develop their own markers of success and strengthen their ability to make healthy choices.