So it is with psychotherapy - except that the rules are agreed upon. Now, the therapist and patient agree on the rules of each psychotherapy. In the case of a therapy called psychoanalysis the therapist agrees to show up for scheduled appointments, provide a environment for therapy and use skills that will bring repressed memories and feeling to the conscious. The patient agrees to be honest, compliant, forthcoming with their thoughts and to pay for the service. This also means that there are different rules for physician therapists than non-physician therapists.
Physicians treat patients and are bound by the Hippocratic Oath.
Non physician therapists are bound by the Hippocratic Oath and treat clients. Both groups may use the same therapy techniques of which many abound. I have found that the success of the therapy depends on the abilities of both the therapist and patient. That is, the therapist must have the technical and emotional skills and the patient needs to be motivated and have the right psychological resources. Let me emphasize that if therapy has any chance to succeed.