Talk therapy

Definition

Talk therapy is an alternate name for the various forms of psychotherapy that emphasize the importance of the client or patient speaking to the therapist as the main means of expressing and resolving issues.

Description

Psychoanalysis, the first modern form of psychotherapy, was called the "talking cure," and the many varieties of therapy practiced today are still characterized by their common dependence on a verbal exchange between the counselor or therapist and the person seeking help. Some of these therapies that are characterized by the verbal exchange include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, grief counseling and therapy, group therapy, interpersonal therapy, person-centered therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and rational emotive therapy. Both self-help groups and support groups also rely on the discussion of an issue as a main part of the cure.