What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is one of the most valuable inventions of the last hundred years, with an exceptional power to raise our levels of emotional well-being, improve our relationships, and assist us in mining our professional potential. But it is also profoundly misunderstood. Its logic is rarely explained and its voice seldom heard with sufficient directness. This book attempts to explain psychotherapy: why it is needed by us all, how those needs are addressed by treatment and what the outcome of a therapeutic intervention could be.



The book reflects a fundamental belief of The School of Life that psychotherapy is the single greatest step any of us can take towards self-understanding and fulfilment. A course of therapy stands to render us ever so slightly less angry, self-defeating, unconfident, lost and sad.

“"A tonic for the soul... a wonderful introduction to anyone who is considering becoming a psychotherapist, psychotherapeutic counselor, or even thinking of going into therapy." - Martin Pollecoff, UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) Chair”

"A tonic for the soul... a wonderful introduction to anyone who is considering becoming a psychotherapist, psychotherapeutic counselor, or even thinking of going into therapy." - Martin Pollecoff, UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) Chair

The School of Life is devoted to developing emotional intelligence. It addresses issues such as how to find fulfilling work, how to master the art of relationships, how to understand one's past, how to achieve calm, and how better to understand and - where necessary - change the world. These ideas are delivered through a range of channels: from videos, books, and products - to classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.



The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.

Psychotherapy is one of the most valuable inventions of the last hundred years, with an exceptional power to raise our levels of emotional well-being, improve our relationships, and assist us in mining our professional potential. But it is also profoundly misunderstood. Its logic is rarely explained and its voice seldom heard with sufficient directness. This book attempts to explain psychotherapy: why it is needed by us all, how those needs are addressed by treatment and what the outcome of a therapeutic intervention could be.The book reflects a fundamental belief of The School of Life that psychotherapy is the single greatest step any of us can take towards self-understanding and fulfilment. A course of therapy stands to render us ever so slightly less angry, self-defeating, unconfident, lost and sad.

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