Many people intuitively feel the benefits of psychotherapy. Talking with a therapist can decrease painful feelings as well as help in finding better ways to connect with others. Susan Vaughan's book, The Talking Cure, explains the neuroscience of talk therapy and how working with a therapist actually alters our brain functioning. It's a valuable resource in learning about the science behind psychotherapy.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
“Ineffably, psychotherapy heals. It makes some sense of the confusion, reins in the terrifying thoughts and feelings, returns some control and hope and possibility of learning from it all…psychotherapy is a sanctuary. Psychotherapy is a battleground; it is a place I have been psychotic, neurotic, elated, confused, and despairing beyond belief. But, always, it is where I have believed—-or have learned to believe—-that I might someday be able to contend with all of this.” I was deeply moved by Kay Redfield Jamison’s beautiful description of her experience in therapy in her latest book, Fires in the Dark.