Talk Therapy — also called Talking Therapy — may be any form of Psychotherapy or Psychological Therapy (mind that there are numerous types), usually conducted between two persons in which one is the therapist and the other the client (or patient). Nonetheless, it may also involve more therapists and/or more clients, including partners/couples, entire groups, or families.
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As the name Talk Therapy already implies it predominantly entails talking (verbal communication) between two parties, typically involving questions, answers, reflections, tests, suggestions, directives, and so on, with an aim of supporting people (the clients) in becoming aware of and identify their “inner issues,” understanding their problems on a cognitive level, and subsequently trying to help change their behavior, thoughts, and emotions, improve mental health, enhance daily functioning, increase happiness and wellbeing, and overcome problems in life or in relationships.
Talk Therapy isn’t necessarily conducted in a live on-site and in-person setting, that is, it’s not uncommon that it’s likewise performed via telephone or online. Although Talk Therapy theoretically may involve only one session, it usually spans multiple sessions over a longer period of time. One of the other characteristics is that Talk Therapy is often legally bound to respect patient confidentiality.
Clients or patients come from all walks of life, being of all age groups, including adults, children and adolescents. The talk therapists may be psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, massage therapists, bodyworkers, social workers, family therapists, or counselors, just to give you some examples.
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Not all talk therapists are necessarily legally regulated, that is, are accredited and certified professional mental healthcare providers; it depends on the country or state what (part of Talk Therapy) may be professed without a license and what part not.
Talk Therapy may also be rather a form of counseling or coaching (especially when it’s non-directive and less “medical”) being more focused on guidance in specific areas. Therapy may also address spiritual issues, notably if a client is involved or interested in religion, spirituality, or spiritual domains.
Talk Therapy may be the only tool applied, but it can also be part of broader therapeutic work (or of an integrated therapeutic modality) that may include massage, bodywork, De-Armoring, Somatic Therapy, Breathwork, Dance and Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, drama, psychoactive substances, arts and creative therapies, to give some examples.
