Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental health problems by talking with a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapists, or another professional trained in this field. In psychotherapy, the patient is guided through a process of discussing their issues with a goal of discovering root causes of their problems, raising awareness of when and how the condition manifests in their life, and ultimately allowing them to improve their quality of life through the reduction, elimination, or better management of symptoms. Also known as “talk therapy” or counseling, psychotherapy is one of the most important tools used by psychologists and other mental health professionals.

While some psychological issues may require medication or other types of treatment in some situations, psychotherapy can be a very effective tool for addressing many types of mental illness including mood disorders like anxiety or depression, addiction and other substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, for many patients, a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be the key for successful treatment. Psychotherapy can also be an important solution for solving issues between groups of people such as conflicts in a marriage, with approaches such as couples therapy or family counseling becoming increasingly popular.

Understanding psychotherapy is very important for a career in mental health, whether you aspire to be a psychiatrist, a couples therapist, or a substance abuse counselor. Even when approaches such as medication are ultimately required for successful treatment, the ability of a skilled psychotherapist to gain the trust of their patient and help them to open up and be transparent about their struggles is often an essential first step. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earned a median annual salary of $80,370 per year in 2019, and typically have at least a master’s degree as well as professional licensing depending on their specific field of work.

Yes! Coursera offers a wide range of courses in the field of psychology, including opportunities to learn about the use of psychotherapy in a variety of contexts such as crisis intervention and addiction treatment. You can learn remotely about this important topic from top-ranked schools around the world, including Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, University of Toronto, and University of Sydney. And, because you can discuss course materials with your instructors during virtual office hours, you can practice your “talk therapy” skills with an expert live audience.