Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies, depending on the personality of both the therapist and the client, and the particular problems which the client brings. There are a number of different approaches which can be used to care for your problems. It is not like visiting a medical doctor, in that it requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on the things talked about during sessions, at home.

Psychotherapy has both benefits and risks. Psychotherapy has been shown to have benefits for people who undertake it. Therapy often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, resolutions of specific problems and better relationships. But there are no guarantees about what will happen. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger and frustration, loneliness or helplessness. Psychotherapy often requires recalling unpleasant aspects of your life.

The first few sessions with your therapist will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation sessions, your therapist will be able to offer you some initial impressions of what your work will include, and an initial treatment plan to follow, if you decide to continue. You should evaluate this information along with your own assessment about whether you feel comfortable working with your therapist. Therapy can involve a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select.

If you have questions about your therapist's procedures, you should raise them as they occur. If your doubts persist, your therapist will be happy to help you to secure an appropriate consultation with another mental health professional. Sexual contact between therapist and client is never appropriate.