Psychotherapyis an intentional interpersonal relationship to aid in problems of living. It aims to increase the individual's sense of well-being. Psychotherapy employs a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change that are designed to improve the mental health, or to improve group relationships such as in a family or a couple.

Psychotherapy can be seen as an interpersonal invitation offered to aid in reaching full potential or to cope better with problems of life. Psychotherapy requires creating a therapeutic environment frame, which is characterized by a free yet secure climate that enables the client to open up.

Psychotherapyincludes techniques to increase awareness and the capacity for self observation, change behavior and cognition, and develop insight and empathy. A desired result enable other choices of thought, feeling or action; to increase the sense of well-being and to better manage subjective discomfort or distress. Perception of reality is hopefully improved. Grieving might be enhanced producing less long term depression.

Psychotherapy can improve medication response where such medication is also needed.

Psychotherapy can be provided on a one-to-one basis, in group therapy, conjointly with couples and with entire families.

Psychotherapy can occur face to face (individual), over the telephone, or, much less commonly, the Internet.

Psychotherapy time frame may be a matter of weeks or many years. Therapy may address specific forms of diagnosable mental illness, or everyday problems in managing or maintaining interpersonal relationships or meeting personal goals.

Treatment in families with children can favorably influence a child’s development, lasting for life and into future generations. Better parenting may be an indirect result of therapy or purposefully learned as parenting techniques.

Divorces can be prevented, or made far less traumatic. Therapeutic skills can be used in mental health consultation to business and public agencies to improve efficiency and assist with coworkers or clients.

Psychotherapyuses a range of techniques to influence or persuade to adapt or change in the direction chosen. These can be based on clear thinking about options; experiential relationship building; dialogue, communication and adoption of behavior change strategies. Each is designed to improve the mental health, or to improve group relationships (as in a family).

Most forms of Psychotherapy use only spoken conversation, though some also use other forms of communication such as the written word, artwork, drama, narrative story. Because sensitive topics are often discussed during psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy is legally bound to respect  confidentiality.

The focus in Psychotherapyis usually eclectic but includes biological, cultural, and social aspects.