Psychology and Psychotherapy

About psychology

Psychology is the science of the mind. Psychological systems of our mind include thinking or cognition, personalities, emotions, perception and sensations, memory, learning, behaviour and intelligence. Psychology aims to unravel these mysterious systems so that we can understand better why we are how we are, why we like who we do, and why we act the way we do.

For more information, see Psychology.

About psychotherapy

Psychotherapy refers to a broad range of practices, techniques, theories and perspectives. It is difficult to define because there are literally hundreds of different types of practices that all call themselves psychotherapy. Psychology is mainly taught in the universities; psychotherapy may be taught in university, but most trainings are offered by private organisations.

For more information, see Psychotherapy.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be used for the treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse and personality disorders. It can also be used to help people change their lifestyles. It focuses on working on the 'incorrect beliefs' that people have.

For more information, see Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Cognitive behavioural therapy for weight loss

Obesity is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The most important treatment category for obesity is lifestyle modification, which requires a reduction of energy intake and an increase in physical activity. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be a valuable addition to diet and exercise for weight loss.

For more information, see Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Weight Loss.

Individual therapy

Individual therapy is a one-on-one, confiding and confidential interaction with a trained professional. The ways that individual therapy is implemented varies widely depending upon the psychological problem experienced by the client, the personal beliefs and practices of the therapist, and the individual needs of the client.

For more information, see Individual Psychotherapy.

Family therapy

Family therapy can be defined as any psychological treatment that focuses on changing the way family members interact in order to improve the functioning of the family as a unit and the functioning of individuals in the family. Family therapy usually works within family groups but often includes work with people on an individual basis or, when appropriate, individual sessions within a series of family meetings.

For more information, see Family Therapy (Family Focus Therapy).

Parent therapy

Parent training is a program designed to help parents develop the skills necessary to manage their child’s behaviour and development. The techniques learned in parent training aid parents in correctly identifying, defining and responding to dysfunctional and problematic childhood behaviour.

For more information, see Parent Training / Parent Therapy.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation is an important component of any psychotherapy program as well as any visit you have to the doctor. Psychoeducation is education about a certain situation or condition that causes psychological stress. This is not necessarily psychotherapy as it does not exclusively deal with psychological or mental illness, but rather with any condition you are experiencing.

For more information, see Psychoeducation.

Social skills training

In some cases, the most devastating effects of psychological and mental disorders are their effects on the social aspect of life. Equipping people who otherwise have no social skills or practice in social skills with the necessary tools is becoming a prominent technique in psychotherapy.

For more information, see Social Skills Training.