Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, application of the theories and discoveries of psychology to the treatment of mental illness, particularly in the form of some sort of relationship between the therapist and the patient. Psychoanalysis, the technique pioneered by Sigmund Freud, was the first form of psychotherapy. Since then many others have been developed, including behavior therapy and Gestalt therapy. Most approaches to psychotherapy involve some type of support, confrontation, or interpretation. Any approach may be applied in a group setting of 5 to 12 people. Group therapy enables a therapist to serve more people, and members of a group can learn from and provide support for one another.

See also: Behavior therapy; Gestalt psychology; Psychology.