Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or usually just "therapy," is a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health problems. Therapy involves examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced by individuals, couples, or families. Therapy sessions refer to structured meetings between a licensed provider and a client with a goal of improving some aspect of their life. Psychotherapy encompasses many types of treatment and is practiced by a range of clinicians using a variety of strategies. The critical aspect is that the client or patient works collaboratively with the therapist and can identify improvement and positive change over time.

There are many reasons why you might want to talk to a therapist. Experiencing symptoms related to a mental health condition is one major reason why people decide to see a therapist. Some reasons to talk to a therapist include: 

Anxiety
Behavioral issues
Depression
Difficulty coping with life changes
Feelings of loneliness
Feelings of worthlessness
Low self-esteem
Negative thinking
Relationship issues
Social Issues
Stress

However, it is important to remember that anyone who is experiencing stress or who wants to overcome an issue that might be holding them back can benefit. You don’t need to wait until something is causing you significant distress or interfering with your ability to function to reach out.

There’s no surefire way to determine whether a therapist is a good fit, but most clients sense a strong alliance. If you’re unsure after the session, ask yourself: Do you feel comfortable speaking with the therapist? Do you have a good rapport with the therapist? Did you feel that the therapist was trustworthy, likable, and respectful? Did they seem attentive to your concerns and focused on what you were saying? Do they have experience working with clients with similar issues? If the answer to these questions tends to be yes, it may indicate that you and the therapist have a strong therapeutic alliance, which is a great predictor of successful outcomes. If you primarily answered no, it may be best to keep looking.

• Adopting habits that may lead to better physical and mental health

• Building a better awareness of your own thoughts and how those thoughts contribute to your behaviors

• Exploring your actions and thoughts from a different perspective

• Feeling supported and understood

• Gaining greater insight into your experiences and behaviors

• Gaining greater self-awareness

• Improving your relationships with others

• Learning new coping skills that will help you manage stress more effectively

• Sharing your fear, burdens, and worries with a neutral, caring person
  

Exploring and understanding your emotions during therapy is significant because it can help you to better understand how they affect your daily life. To identify and regulate your emotions, you must become aware of what triggers them and how they manifest in your body. It is important to develop a greater understanding of how your thoughts, environment, and relationships contribute to your emotional state.

Common emotions that can be challenging to navigate include anger, sadness, anxiety, or guilt. Below are some tips for managing difficult emotions in a healthy and constructive way:

• Express your feelings in a safe environment.

• Acknowledge the emotion without judgment and let it pass.

• Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

• Exercise or do something creative to help process the emotion.

• Identify ways to respond to the emotion in a productive and healthy way.

• Identify any underlying issues or triggers that may be causing the emotion.

• Develop an action plan for challenging times or situations.

• Use mindfulness exercises or guided imagery to help you stay in the present moment.

• Use journaling to help you process your emotions.

Therapy can help you become aware of your emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and build resilience to manage them more effectively in the future.