ABSTRACT
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental illness by psychological rather than ‘medical’ means such as medication.1 The aim of any form of psychotherapy is to alleviate suffering, prolong life and reduce disability. The effectiveness of whether recovery or an improvement has taken place will vary enormously in different cultural settings.2 Psychotherapy changes a patient’s view of themselves, their relationships and their outlook by enhancing positive experiential change and neural network growth and integration.3 This success relies on the development of a safe and trusting relationship; gaining new information and experience in thoughts, emotions, sensation and behaviour; and developing a method of processing and organising new experiences so as to continue to grow and integrate them outside therapy.3
