What does psychotherapy primarily involve?

Psychotherapy primarily involves consultation about mental illness, as it focuses on understanding and addressing psychological issues through conversation and therapeutic techniques. This process is aimed at helping individuals comprehend their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, creating a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and experiences. The therapeutic relationship fosters insight and often leads to personal growth and healing.

While medication management is important for many individuals coping with mental illness, it does not fall under the realm of psychotherapy itself, which is more about dialogue and emotional processing. Similarly, behavioral assessments are tools used in various therapeutic approaches, but they do not define psychotherapy. Group therapy sessions can be a form of psychotherapy, but they are just one method among many, and the essence of psychotherapy is in the personal interaction and exploration of mental health concerns. Therefore, the focus on consultation about mental illness encompasses the foundational elements of psychotherapy.