psychotherapy

psy·cho·ther·a·py   (sī'kō-thěr'ə-pē)    n.   pl. psy·cho·ther·a·pies The treatment of mental and emotional disorders through the use of psychological techniques designed to encourage communication of conflicts and insight into problems, with the goal being relief of symptoms, changes in behavior leading to improved social and vocational functioning, and personality growth. psy'cho·ther'a·peu'tic (-pyōō'tĭk) adj., psy'cho·ther'a·peu'ti·cal·ly adv.

psychotherapy

The use of the techniques of psychology or psychiatry or both to treat mental and emotional disorders. The term includes psychoanalysis, as well as other forms of psychological therapy.

Main Entry: psy·cho·ther·a·py
Pronunciation: "sI-kO-'ther-&-pE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -pies
1 : treatment of mental or emotional disorder or maladjustment by psychological means especially involving verbal communication (as in psychoanalysis, nondirective psychotherapy,reeducation, or hypnosis)
2 : any alteration in an individual's interpersonal environment, relationships, or life situation brought about especially by a qualified therapist andintended to have the effect of alleviating symptoms of mental or emotional disturbance

psychotherapy psy·cho·ther·a·py (sī'kō-thěr'ə-pē)
n.
The treatment of mental and emotional disorders through the use of psychological techniques designed to encourage communication of conflicts and insight into problems, with the goal being personality growth and behavior modification. Also called psychotherapeutics.

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psy'cho·ther'a·peu'tic (-py&oomacr;'tĭk) adj.