{"id":119394,"date":"2024-11-05T15:12:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T21:12:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/?p=119394"},"modified":"2024-11-05T15:12:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T21:12:50","slug":"psychotherapy-personal-investments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/psychology\/psychotherapy-personal-investments\/","title":{"rendered":"Personal Investments: A Practical Guide to How to Use Psychotherapy as an Investment in Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have been working in the field of psychology since the mid \u201870s. When I started working with clients in the early \u201880s, I discovered that many patients would prematurely terminate therapy for various reasons. I knew much of the outside world had a negative opinion about psychotherapy. Many saw and still see therapy as something only for people who have a \u201cproblem\u201d or who are \u201ccrazy.\u201d The stigmas engendered by such persistent, misinformed thinking turn many people away from seeking therapy.<\/p>\n

I talked to colleagues about my theories as to why patients would leave treatment before it had the chance to help them. The response I often got was, \u201cYou should write a book,\u201d and so I did.<\/p>\n

I titled the book \u201cPersonal Investments: A Practical Guide to How to Use Psychotherapy as an Investment in Your Life.\u201d<\/a> I did not write it for the professional community, although I was hoping it might enlighten new therapists in training. It covers a practical, theoretical understanding of psychodynamic theory.<\/p>\n

Therapy is a tool for learning. Patients experience an emotional education when they go to therapy. My book focuses on helping patients recognize patterns of behavior that prevent them from being confident and strong. The therapist\u2019s role is to intervene in such a way that invites their patients to feel all feelings in sessions and express them verbally. The therapist contains those feelings and ensures the patient doesn\u2019t take those feelings home with them.<\/p>\n

Therapists learn how to develop a solid, close relationship with their patients, creating an environment in which patients can learn to manage difficult emotions and handle life\u2019s challenges. Through that connection with the therapist, patients can build the inner confidence to navigate their lives independently.<\/p>\n

I wanted the book to accomplish several other goals as well:<\/p>\n