Catherine Boyer, MA, LCSW What is Psychotherapy? Some people call psychotherapy counseling – the terms are pretty much interchangeable. Most forms of psychotherapy are "talk therapy." There are many different schools of therapy – cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, family therapy, interpersonal therapy, many more – but what this all means in practice is that you bring in what you are struggling with and what you would like to see happen, and the counselor interacts with you in such a way that you are able to resolve old issues, remove blocks, learn new skills and move forward. There are other things that many therapists include in their counseling practice that are not psychotherapy but that can be very useful to you. Mindfulness training and neurofeedback are two examples. When therapy is working, your life becomes richer, your relationships deepen, your work is more satisfying. You take better care of yourself and bounce back faster from the inevitable curves life throws at us. Of course, the process of counseling may not always be comfortable. There may be moments of pain or frustration. But it can also be a process filled with excitement, humor and joy. Therapists may have one or more of many different educational backgrounds, with graduate and post graduate training in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, specialty therapies such as art therapy or music therapy, and so on. (Psychiatrists who do therapy are M.D.s so can also prescribe medication.) The therapist having life experience and wisdom is important – and a good fit with the therapist is usually much more meaningful in terms of results than the type of training the therapist has had. Is this feeling like a good fit to you? You’re welcome to call at 212-877-6923 or email for an appointment or to ask any questions you may have. One of the key factors to the success of counseling is client motivation. Are you ready for change? Do you want to increase your self awareness? Are you willing to let someone facilitate that process? What I want for you is that you live your life more fully; would you like that? If the answers to these questions are yes, then it sounds like you’re ready to embark on the expansive, growth-filled, exciting process that psychotherapy can be. home | what is psychotherapy | what to expect about catherine | contact | location | links | site map Catherine A. Boyer, MA, LCSW NYC's Upper West Side 144 West 86th Street, Suite 1A New York, NY 10024 Map & Driving Directions Phone 212-877-6923