A psychotherapist is a consultant for life issues, kind of a coach, guide, teacher, or mentor.  Psychotherapy, also known as the "talking cure," is the practice of tending to or healing the soul, body, and mind.  Psychotherapy is characterized by a series of private and confidential meetings with a therapist.  These can last from a few weekly meetings to a few years, depending on the problem and your expectations  There are scientific and intuitive aspects to psychotherapy, with many types of approaches and schools of thought.  Some of these are better suited for more immediate, briefer therapy issues, while others are more appropriate for deeper, longer-term therapy.  An important factor in successful therapy is that you feel good about your therapist and view him/her as a trustworthy, caring, non-judgmental, healthy, and competent person who truly understands your issues.  With this kind of emotionally safe and comfortable therapy environment, the best results can be obtained. Do I Need Psychotherapy? You may consider a consultation with a therapist if you: Feel stressed, depressed or hopeless Are unhappy with your marriage or other significant relationship, or the lack of one Have eating or sleeping problems Have panic or claustrophobic attacks Are involved in an abusive relationship Are dealing with the idea of your death or have lost a loved one Are concerned about alcohol or drug use Experience profound mood swings Have grown up in an abusive home (i.e., emotionally, physically and/or sexually) Have little or not interest and/or motivation to engage in your life Suffer from low self-esteem and/or cannot let happiness, pleasure or good into your life Wonder about the direction and meaning of your life Have an overwhelming fear, anxiety or worry Feel like you are wasting your life Have perfectionistic issues that limit you Feel deep dissatisfaction with your job or career Are often sick or have chronic health problems (headaches, stomach, back and/or shoulder pain, etc) Are undergoing divorce or separation Have survived a trauma, accident, or are in crisis Think of suicide Have unexplained fatigue, or lack of energy Behave in sabotaging or self-destructive ways You and your partner are thinking of getting married Are an adult child of an alcoholic or chemically dependent parent Want to increase your self-awareness and growth potential   Resistance to Therapy Many people do not believe in psychotherapy.  They are afraid that if they seek consultation they will be labeled as "crazy" or "sick."  They may think it is shameful or "weak" and that they should not need anyone's help.  Some people have had bad experiences with incompetent therapists.  However, in reality, therapy, when conducted by competent therapists, can be extremely effective in helping with depression, anxiety, loss, stress, family and relationship problems, self-esteem, and many other issues one may be experiencing. Sometimes life can be overwhelming or confusing.  Dr. Thomas believes that relationships and meaningful living require attention and "maintenance."  Therapy is no different than our dental or medical check-ups or changing the oil in our car engine.  As a psychologist, Dr. Thomas has often seen the effects and damage caused by "ignoring" one's issues and symptoms. Problems can occur in significant areas of one's life, such as love, work, and self-esteem, sometimes to the degree that one can lose touch with his/her emotions, goals, and the true meaning of his or her life, whereby one is merely existing, rather than really living.