Psychotherapy for Beginners: Complete Guide to Counselling and Mental Health
*Introduction - Psychotherapy—often called “talk therapy”—encompasses a range of evidence-based, interpersonal interventions designed to alleviate psychological distress, modify maladaptive behaviors, and enhance emotional well-being and functioning. Delivered by trained mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, counselors), psychotherapy leverages the therapeutic relationship, communication skills, and specific techniques to help clients understand themselves better, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal goals. 1. Historical Development Early Foundations (Late 19th–Early 20th Century) Sigmund Freud & Psychoanalysis (1890s–1930s): Freud’s landmark work established talk therapy as a scientific-clinical practice. Central tenets included the role of unconscious drives, defense mechanisms, free association, dream interpretation, and the therapeutic “analysis” of transference and ...