Psychotherapy is
“…a conscious and planned interactional process to influence behavioral disorders and states of suffering that are considered to require treatment by consensus (preferably between patient, therapist and reference group), using psychological means (through communication), mostly verbal but also non-verbal, towards a defined goal, ideally developed jointly.”
– Hans Strocka (Wittchen & Hoyer, 2011)
Psychotherapy
The goal of psychotherapy is therefore to heal or alleviate psychological suffering, to help in life crises, to change disturbed behaviors and attitudes, and to promote personal development and health.
Not only in Austria and Germany is psychotherapy an independent healing method in the health sector for the treatment of mental, psychosocial or psychosomatically caused behavioral disorders and states of suffering.
In Austria, the practice of psychotherapy has been regulated since 1991 by the Psychotherapy Act, Federal Law Gazette No. 361/1990.
Often, it is precisely those people who seek help who demonstrate strength and courage. A growing number of people in Austria and Germany require psychotherapy. In 2018 alone, 3.22 million people in Germany consulted a therapist, 41 percent more than in 2009. The demand for psychotherapy slots has grown so dramatically in recent years that it far exceeds the supply.
“Do I need psychotherapy?”
If you are asking yourself this question, it could be an indication that you have a problem that is weighing on you or your soul.
Anyone who goes into psychotherapy takes responsibility for their own health.
I know that the path to therapy involves a lot of emotional work: acknowledging one's own problems as such.
Admitting that you need professional help.
Finding the strength to speak openly with a psychotherapist about one's own feelings and to break down one's own patterns of behavior and thought.
Many people also mistakenly perceive the feeling of no longer being able to cope on their own as a weakness.
An important prerequisite for psychotherapy is your desire to change something and your fundamental willingness to deal with your feelings and experiences and to accept support in doing so.
There is no age limit - psychotherapy can be helpful at any age.