According to the American Psychological Association, research has demonstrated that psychotherapy can improve a person’s overall health status-physical and psychological well-being. In 1995, Consumer Reports magazine conducted a survey of readers who had participated in psychotherapy and concluded that mental health treatment is indeed effective.

Many factors will determine whether psychotherapy will be effective for you. An important factor is the quality of the relationship that you establish with your therapist. The most effective psychotherapy occurs within an honest, trusting therapeutic relationship. It is also important to think about how you would like to spend the time, being mindful of your goals. Speak openly with your therapist and obtain suggestions on how you can get the most out of psychotherapy.

Several ways that psychotherapy can be helpful include:

· Gain feedback from a trained professional

· Secure support and understanding

· Learn strategies to decrease stress

· Discover new methods to work through anxiety, depressive and other symptoms

· Benefit from having a place to regularly talk about your concerns

· Understand yourself better: your reactions, behaviors, and past

· Develop healthier ways to cope with problems

· Expand relationship and communication skills

· Increase your self confidence and self esteem

· Develop greater meaning and appreciation for life

It requires courage to seek the help of a mental health professional. Find the strength within yourself to make an appointment and begin working on those issues that negatively affect your life.