What Is Psychotherapy

The Importance of a Safe Environment

Psychotherapy is a process which takes place in a collaborative interpersonal relationship whose aim is to attain as many of the following goals as possible:

• The amelioration of disturbing symptoms
• The improvement of interpersonal relationships
• The development of self-confidence and better coping skills
• The enhancement of self-esteem
• Openness to new experiences
• The development of greater self-understanding
• Personal growth leading to a more creative, fulfilling and productive life

The Importance of a Safe Environment

My primary job as a therapist is to create a safe space for people to be themselves where they can freely express their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, conflicts, and fears without being judged.

Three ingredients help to create that safe environment: emotional congruence and openness on the part of the therapist; a genuine acceptance of the client's experiences; and a deep understanding of the client. In this context therapy is successful when there is a genuine commitment on the part of therapist and client to work together collaboratively.