Over one hundred years ago, Sigmund Freud, in an attempt to understand the emotional suffering of his patients, introduced psychoanalysis to the public. It was assumed that the cause of emotional pain was repressed feelings that lay dormant in the unconscious, but revealed themselves through neurotic symptoms. The basic tenet, however, that talking with a trained listener will help alleviate emotional distress, has not changed. We have learned that while a person can gain considerable relief from emotional suffering by talking with a good friend, close relative, or even a bartender or hair stylist, the relief is only temporary. Mental health professionals are not only skilled in listening, they are skilled in listening in such a way that their responses help people get to the root of their emotional concerns.
Today there are many different theoretical and applied approaches to the process of psychotherapy.
Some approaches are more effective than others for certain types of issues. Psychotherapists with many years of experience usually have been trained in several different approaches so that they are able to bring their training and experience to bear on the problem presented by the patient. It examines early childhood experiences, issues of self-esteem, intimacy, how one feels about oneself, relationships with others, painful memories and experiences. The relationship with the psychotherapist is very important for it serves as a vehicle for understand how the patient relates to others, past and present, in his world. The emphasis is on current life situations, transitions, dilemmas, relationships, and how a particular world view affects one's perception of the world.