What exactly is a psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a professional who has been trained to help people overcome difficult periods in their lives. These difficult periods can be due to a number of reasons. You may have been in an undesirable situation for an extended period of time, for example, you may be in an unhappy marriage, experience dissatisfaction at work, or suffer from anxiety attacks, eating disorders, unwanted substance consumption or permanent sadness. Difficult periods are also caused by traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or a diagnosis of a serious illness. A psychotherapist can help you work through these difficult periods.

What is the difference between Psychology and Psychotherapy?

Psychology is the science that studies the human mind. Individuals relate to the world and other individuals based on the functions of the mind - through behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Psychotherapy is the subset of Psychology that specializes in treating the problems caused when an inappropriate way of relating to the world causes stress and suffering to the individual.

Why will psychotherapy help me more than a friend, a book, or a workshop related to my problem?

Psychotherapy will help you more because, you will develop an awareness of yourself beyond the intellectual comprehension that comes from reading a book or taking a workshop. Psychotherapy will provide, on one hand, the personal insight that allows you to be aware of the actions, thoughts, and emotions that are maintaining the problem and preventing resolution, and on the other hand the emotional support to deal with this awareness which is a very demanding process. With this understanding and support, you can gain control and take charge of the problem at hand. This is the ultimate goal of psychotherapy.

How long will the therapy last?

My specialty is brief therapy and with this methodology, I have found that the average number of sessions is between 10 and 15 sessions. This is of course highly specific to each individual case so you may require fewer sessions or you may require more. The first 7 or 8 sessions are held once a week, the following sessions will take place every two weeks, and the last 2 sessions will be held once a month to confirm that the change is stable, and it fulfills the initial needs that brought you to the therapy in the first place.

How do I know if you will be able to help me?

Since I consider the client to be the expert on him/herself, you will know after our first session whether I will be able to help you or not. First, you should feel confortable with the therapist. Then you should find yourself feeling clearer, more hopeful, more energetic and more decisive.

Can you prescribe medication?

No, but if I consider it necessary, I can refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe the needed medication and belongs to my team. If that is the case, the psiquiatrist and myself will work together in the process of your therapy.

 

Mercedes González, M.A. 665 038175  
mercedesgonzalez@madrid-psychotherapy.com