1. Health

Psychotherapy

From , former About.com Guide

Updated June 05, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A general term that refers to non-medical treatment for psychological issues.

In psychotherapy, the patient and therapist discuss the patient's symptoms, thoughts, behaviors, wishes, and emotions with the goal of clarifying and reducing psychological problems.

Different types of psychotherapy (e.g., psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy) use different techniques to achieve the desired results.

Also Known As: talk therapy, therapy
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