Psychotherapy is when at least two people meet in a safe environment, preferably an office that is free of noise. One, the therapist is trained and licensed by the state to perform psychotherapy services. The other, a client is paying for the psychotherapy service.
Psychotherapy can be distilled down to a couple of “schools.” There are evidence-based practices, which were tested in randomized controlled trials, and non-evidenced based practices, which are often supportive therapies. Both types require a robust therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. Evidenced-based methods include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). At Fidi Therapy, we only practice evidenced-based theories.
A strong therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. There must be mutual trust and respect that is developed so the client can feel safe enough to be genuine, vulnerable, and share his or her innermost thoughts and feelings. This relationship encourages the client to ask for what he or she needs and to say “no” when appropriate. This courage is then generalized to the client’s life outside the therapy room.
Yes. Each therapist assigns weekly homework activities meant to generalize healthy behavior outside the therapy office.
Psychotherapy works best if done for 50 minutes one day per week. Some clients may need to come in more frequently, but generally once per week is appropriate.
Clients usually attend therapy for 3 to 4 months. However, most stay longer to experience the benefits of ongoing behavior change.
Termination is a term used in psychotherapy to mark the end of a therapeutic event. When both the client and therapist agree that the therapy work is completed, then the client will stop attending therapy. The client can start treatment again with the same therapist at any time in the future.
