Definition of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy: The treatment of a behavior disorders, mental illness, or any other condition by psychological means. Psychotherapy may utilize insight, persuasion, suggestion, reassurance, and instruction so that patients may see themselves and their problems more realistically and have the desire to cope effectively with them.

There are many possible definitions of psychotherapy, just as there are many different types of psychotherapy, including -- just to mention a few -- cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.