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Psychotherapy

In mental health services, which are the part of the specialist health service that offers treatment for mental health problems and disorders, you may be offered various forms of psychotherapy. Here you can read about some of the main psychotherapeutic methods used.

In psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, it is common for the therapist to use elements from different therapeutic approaches. Psychotherapy can also be combined with, for example, medication or work-related measures.
 
Psychotherapy can be individual treatment, couples or group treatment, or couples or family therapy. Online psychotherapy is also available. Day and residential units also offer milieu therapy based on principles of psychotherapy.
 
There are many common elements in the various psychotherapeutic methods. For all methods, trust and a sense of safety between the paient and therapist are important. It is also important to agree on the goals of the therapeutic collaboration. Being met with empathy and understanding is common to all forms of therapy.
 

In psychotherapy, a safe and good alliance between your therapist and you as a patient is important for a good outcome. You should agree on the goals of the therapy and on which methods each party will use to achieve them.

Experience and research have shown that psychotherapy has helped many people manage mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, substance use problems, psychotic disorders, sleep problems and low self-esteem. Most of us are used to seeing a doctor when something is wrong. We may be prescribed medication and told to take it easy for a few days. In psychotherapy, you are an active participant in treating the problems you experience.

Psychotherapy is help with self-help
In many ways, psychotherapy is a form of help with self-help, where, through working with a professional therapist, you learn to become your own therapist. The therapist contributes knowledge about what has helped others with similar problems, while you are the expert on how you experience your difficulties and what you think might help.

That is why it is important for your own resources, interests and strengths to come to light and be used. Psychotherapy gives you an opportunity to reflect on who you are, how you are doing, which people matter to you and what you want for them and for yourself.

The collaboration usually takes place through conversations between you and your therapist. At the same time, support from family, friends and colleagues is often very important to the work you do in therapy.

The following questions can provide a good starting point for what takes place in psychotherapy:

  • What is troubling you most in your current situation?
  • Why are you seeking help?
  • What are you satisfied with in your life, and which qualities do you value most in yourself?
  • What would your life situation need to be like for you to have a better life, and what do you want for your family and friends, work and leisure time?
  • How have you tried to solve your difficulties in the past?
  • Can you think of other ways to solve your difficulties, and how can the therapist help you?
Alliance and a sense of safety are important for a good outcome
Outcomes in psychotherapy depend on collaboration characterised by interest, respect and care, and taking place in an atmosphere of understanding, hope and realistic optimism. Treatment outcomes are best when your experiences and wishes are central and when you actively participate in your own treatment.

It is important to believe that change is possible
People who seek psychotherapy often feel that they are “up against a wall”, that is, they do not feel they have good ways to move forward. Feelings of helplessness and uncertainty are common, and this can often feel frightening. Change can have both advantages and disadvantages, and it is natural to feel uncertain. Exploring what motivates you is often part of psychotherapy.

By noticing what you think, feel and do in situations you find difficult, you can better understand what is happening and perhaps also see opportunities for positive change. These may be situations characterised by depression and anxiety, conflicts in relationships with others, or strong feelings that conflict with one another.

Good goals in psychotherapy
Goals in psychotherapy can be long-term. Much of the work in psychotherapy concerns self-esteem, self-confidence, how we view the world and ourselves, and other important issues. Short-term goals are at least as important, such as carrying out specific activities, often things you have been reluctant to do. Working with short-term, concrete goals has proved beneficial, including for achieving longer-term goals.

Sometimes you and your therapist can find ways to practise new skills between sessions. With good planning, you can dare to experiment with your own behavioural patterns and gain new experiences in a safe way.

Mental health difficulties often undermine self-confidence and self-esteem. One example is depression, which is characterised by negativity taking over. You notice your own mistakes and what you feel you cannot manage. Psychotherapy can help you learn to value yourself more. This makes it easier to pursue your own interests and find and spend time with people you enjoy being with and can trust.

Before

Usually, no preparation is required for psychotherapy sessions. Sometimes you will be given exercises to practise between sessions.

Different forms of psychotherapeutic methods:

Psychodynamic psychotherapy consists of several different approaches and can take the form of both short-term therapy, such as intensive short-term psychodynamic therapy, and longer courses of therapy, such as psychoanalysis. The starting point is that relationships with close people in childhood and adolescence are reflected in relationships with others later in life. Therapy focuses on gaining insight into these connections and how unconscious conflicts can affect feelings and reactions. For example, a harsh self-image marked by guilt and shame can reduce quality of life.

One goal of therapy is to become more aware of how you avoid or protect yourself from shameful, frightening or painful thoughts, feelings and experiences. For example, in depression, emphasis is often placed on processing experiences of loss and understanding the psychological background to the reaction to the loss.

Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on problem-solving and insight into the relationship between thoughts, feelings and actions. Approaches have been developed specifically for patients with a range of mental and physical disorders, as well as sleep problems, chronic pain and persistent fatigue. At the same time, cognitive behavioural therapy is an umbrella term covering several different therapeutic methods. Examples include dialectical behaviour therapy, metacognitive therapy, exposure therapy, schema therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural activation and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). In mental health services, it is common for therapists to draw on elements from several of these approaches.

Examples of interventions in cognitive behavioural therapy include identifying difficult situations, planning activities that build confidence and energy, exploring and possibly changing negative thought patterns, encouraging increased social contact and problem-solving, and preventing relapse of symptoms. An important part is limiting the time spent on repetitive rumination and worry that contribute to worsening mental health problems.

Emotion-focused therapy is a form of therapy that involves exploring, understanding and changing difficult and entrenched feelings. One principle of this form of therapy is that our feelings greatly influence how we feel, how we understand ourselves and others, and how we act in life.

Feelings are closely linked to needs for security, attachment and independence. Losing touch with our feelings and needs can contribute to mental health problems. Through empathetic listening and reflection, the patient is guided towards deeper emotional processing. This collaboration also uses methods from, for example, Gestalt therapy.

Interpersonal psychotherapy is based on the patient and therapist discussing unresolved experiences of loss (such as divorce or unemployment), problems related to new roles (such as when children move out or upon retirement), conflicts with family members, and poor social skills. The treatment method can alleviate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression by teaching the patient to manage or resolve these interpersonal problems. The aim is to improve communication with other people, especially around the patient’s feelings and needs. The therapy includes elements of both psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Experiential psychotherapy is a broad group of different forms of therapy. The best known are Gestalt therapy and client- or person-centred therapy. Among other things, they aim to raise awareness of and possibly release repressed feelings in order to promote personal growth. There are a number of similar treatments that use music, dance and drama. Music therapy, for example, can have a positive effect on motivation, emotional life and social skills.

Couples therapy in mental health services is based on the understanding that mental disorders can cause problems in a relationship, while relationship difficulties can trigger, worsen or maintain mental health problems. Specific forms of couples therapy have been developed for patients who are both depressed and experiencing relationship problems. The aim is to help patients gain insight into and change patterns of reactions and conflicts that arise in their relationships with others and contribute to depression. An important component of treatment is also supporting depressed parents in meeting their children’s needs.

Family therapy is a collective term for a number of different therapeutic approaches. What they have in common is that they seek to understand problems and find solutions by examining how family members affect one another. The focus is therefore particularly on communication within the family and the different roles family members have in relation to one another. Attention is also paid to how other systems and networks outside the family have an impact. One starting point is that everyone is affected if one family member has a problem, and that everyone in a family can have important input that needs to be heard for the individual family member to feel better. Family therapy offers help with identifying negative family patterns and changing them.

Milieu therapy is usually part of residential treatment. Its purpose is to promote the patient’s opportunities for learning, coping and personal responsibility. Broadly speaking, milieu therapy refers to a form of treatment characterised by the planned, adapted and systematic use by the milieu therapist of what takes place in the interaction between the patient and their environment.

Milieu therapy, also called milieu treatment, refers to an overall professional approach rather than a specific method. Milieu therapy originated in institutional treatment and is now often associated with institutions focusing on work with children, adolescents, adults and people with developmental disabilities.

One aim of milieu therapy is to alleviate symptoms and, through experience, strengthen the patient’s belief in their ability to cope, help them develop preventive strategies and increase their hope for the future.

After

Together with the therapist, you can find ways to practise what you have learned between sessions. With good planning, you will be encouraged to challenge your own patterns of behaviour. This will give you new experiences in a safe way.

Last professionally updated 08.06.2023

Contact

  • Contact Østre Agder DPS

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    Rykeneveien 106

    Rykeneveien 106

    Rykeneveien 106, 4824 Bjorbekk

    Directions

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to plan your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment location.

    You should generally use public transport, and you will have to pay a co-payment. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must fill in a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    Does the appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a direct message to the department you are due to visit if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user on helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00-19:00 on weekdays
    14:00-16:00 and 18:00-19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00-15:00 and 18:00-19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00-19:00 (quiet time/no visitors: 14:00-16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00-19:00 on weekdays
    14:00-16:00 and 18:00-19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Maternity ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn's healthy siblings.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog during their time in hospital. Of course, you are welcome to do so, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few good tips for using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Respect others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you can take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. When the child turns 12, their views must be given considerable weight. When the child turns 15, they decide for themselves whether they are happy to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not listen, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you yourself take part for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not take part is illegal.

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones responsibly and be considerate of fellow patients. It is important to put your phone on silent at night, and on silent or vibrate during the day. Out of consideration for other patients, please leave the room if you need to have a lengthy conversation.

    Smoking can cause discomfort for others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. Interpreter costs are covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

  • Contact Midtre Agder DPS

    Where to go

    We have an outpatient clinic and inpatient unit at Liane Ringvei 33 in Kristiansand.


    Outpatient clinic and mobile emergency team on the hospital grounds at Eg, Andreas Kjærsvei 101 in Kristiansand    Building 22and     22B.

     

    En bygning med et skilt på forsiden

    Liane Ringvei 33

    Liane Ringvei 33

    PO Box 416, 4604 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you will have to pay a deductible. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must fill in a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

  • Contact Vestre Agder DPS

    Where to go

    Check your appointment letter or contact the department you are visiting to find out where to go.

    DPS Solvang

    Løkkeveien 24

    Løkkeveien 24

    4616 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you will have to pay a deductible. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must fill in a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    Does the appointment time not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are visiting if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access this service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Many patients and relatives wish to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. This is of course permitted, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few useful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is in the child’s best interests. When a child turns 12, their views must be given significant weight. When a child turns 15, they decide for themselves whether it is okay to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that employees must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone else has posted photos of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not respond, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recordings
    It is not illegal to record conversations you take part in for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations you do not take part in is illegal.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping to ensure that Sørlandet Hospital is a smoke-free environment.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The cost of the interpreter is covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.