Question: What is Psychotherapy?
Answer: It is a talk cure where a patient talks out his/her problems and difficulties to a therapist in order to relieve oneself of any emotional burden and to get "cured".
Question: When do you call it "cognitive" ?
Answer: There are many disciplines or school of thoughts in psychology. Each school has its own way to "cure". The Behaviorists will focus on the behavior of the patient. They theorize that by changing the external behavior, the original problem will also be altered. A Cognitive therapist will focus on your philosophy of living, your way of looking onto the world and theorizes that by modifying your personal view, it will also ease up your problems.
Question: How do I know which kind is suitable to me?
Answer: You will probably be the person knowing the answer to this question. We usually know more than we think. If after a preliminary research, you think you would be more comfortable with a psychanalyst, then you can start looking for one. The therapist and his/her style will (mainly) reflect his way of carrying out his theoretical approach. You can make an initial contact over the phone. If you feel comfortable and think you can TRUST him/her with your most intimate feelings, then this should be a positive sign. If not, look for someone else.
Question: What if I choose the wrong therapist? Am I stuck with him/her ?
Answer: Of course not. You can always change for another one. But avoid to jump from one therapist to another. Once past the preliminary selection, giving it a certain time such as a few weeks. You should trust him/her enough to share all your feelings, even this one. Usually, although a therapist is specially trained on a specific trail, he/she also knows about other styles of therapy and may try a different approach with you. If it really does not work, you can ask him/her to refer you to another therapist.
Question: How do I know whether it is effective in my life or not?
Answer: Again, you will be the person knowing it. The effects may depend on how much you apply what you learn in the sessions into your life. Some changes will start occur in your life. For example, a life-long pattern will no longer work. You start feeling happier. Your relationship has shown some improvement, etc.
Question: When do I know it's time to stop?
Answer: Except in particular cases, usually the therapist and yourself would know it. It's best when it is discussed and decided upon a consent of both sides.
Question: Where are you located?
Answer: I have an office in downtown Toronto, Ontario (Bloor and Yonge). I apply a sliding scale fee based on your income. For an appointment, please send me an email. For further information, keep on browsing on my other webpages. Just click on the hot links.
N.B. These opinions are my own based on a brochure published by the OPA (Ontario Psychological Association): "Know when to contact a Psychologist !"
Links to other sites on the Web
Jho's Personal Webpage
JHo's Style
JHo' Forum - Message Board
Smile of the Day.
Visit to a Jesuit Church in Toronto - Canada
Basic concepts of Buddhism from Binh Anson ( U of Australia)
Thank you for your visit. E-mail me if you have any questions.
� 1999 Jeanine Ho
