Two people meet regularly to talk, with the aim of relieving psychological distress and improving functioning. Psychotherapy is that interpersonal treatment based on psychological principles.

Major traditions include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systemic approaches. Despite theoretical differences, common factors—therapeutic alliance, empathy, expectation of help, and the provision of a coherent rationale—account for much of the benefit. Specific techniques add further value for particular disorders.

Therapy can be short-term or long-term, individual, couple, family, or group. Evidence supports its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions. The therapist’s skill, the client’s engagement, and the fit between method and problem all influence outcome. Psychotherapy remains one of the most thoroughly studied and widely practiced methods of psychological healing.

A reliable relationship in which difficult experiences can be safely explored is the practical core of most successful therapies.