Diego Rojo: «The therapeutic relationship is essential»

As time goes by, the way in which psychology develops psychotherapeutic solutions for everyday problems and mental health disorders also evolves. That is to say, the effective way to care for patients in psychological therapy has to do with having the ability to adapt to the social, cultural and technological context of the moment; There is no universal and eternal way to offer support to those who need a psychologist.

Taking this into account... What is the optimal way to offer psychotherapy at the moment we find ourselves? In this interview with Diego Rojo we talk about it.

Interview with Diego Rojo: psychotherapy in the 21st century

Diego Sebastián Rojo is a Psychologist specialized in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy applied to people of all ages. In this interview we talk with him about the characteristics of psychotherapy and its current state.

What are the main barriers that continue to complicate access to psychotherapy for many people today?

Without a doubt, there are several barriers that make access to psychotherapy difficult for many people today. Some of the main ones are:

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Stigma and prejudice: Although there have been advances in the understanding of mental health, social stigma can still prevent some people from seeking help for fear of judgment or being labeled "weak."
Lack of awareness: Not all people are aware of the benefits of psychotherapy or how to access it. Lack of information may prevent them from seeking help.
Cultural and linguistic barriers: Cultural and linguistic differences can make effective communication between therapist and patient difficult. The lack of therapists who speak different languages or understand diverse cultural perspectives can be a barrier.
Time and availability: Busy schedules can make it difficult for some people to commit to regular therapy sessions. This is especially true for those with irregular work schedules or family responsibilities.
Lack of professionals: In some areas, the demand for mental health services exceeds the supply of available therapists. This can lead to long waiting lists and delays in starting therapy. Health System Complexity: Navigating the mental health system can be confusing and overwhelming. Finding the right therapists and understanding the details of health insurance can be obstacles.

What is the main contribution that online therapy makes to 21st century society?

Online therapy has brought several significant contributions to 21st century society, especially in the field of mental health. Some of the main contributions are:

Expanded access to therapy: Online therapy has eliminated geographic limitations, allowing people to access mental health services from anywhere with an Internet connection. This is especially valuable for those who live in remote areas or have difficulty getting around.
Flexibility: Online therapy offers greater flexibility in terms of schedules. People can schedule therapy sessions to fit their busy schedules, which is particularly helpful for those with work or family responsibilities.
Stigma reduction: For some people, online therapy may feel more private and discreet, which could reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health.
Variety of professionals: Online therapy provides the ability to connect with therapists around the world, increasing the probability of finding a professional who adapts to the individual needs and preferences of the patient.
Access to specialized therapies: Some forms of therapy may be harder to find in certain geographic areas. Online therapy allows people to access specialists who would otherwise not be available in their location.
Greater comfort: Online therapy allows patients to receive support from the comfort of their home, which can be especially beneficial for people with social anxiety or physical limitations.
Supportive technology: Online therapy is often integrated with technological tools, such as emotion and thought tracking apps. This can provide patients with additional resources for self-care and monitoring their progress.
Reduction of financial barriers: Although cost is still a factor, online therapy can sometimes be more affordable than in-person therapy since there are no travel costs involved.
Digital skills development: Online therapy can help people develop digital and online communication skills, which is increasingly important in today's society.
Research and data: Online therapy has also made it possible to collect data and conduct research on the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches and their impact on different populations.

Why in times characterized by new technologies and Artificial Intelligence is it important that behind psychotherapy there are real professionals who take the time to understand patients at a level deep?

Despite advances in technology and artificial intelligence, the presence of real professionals in psychotherapy remains essential for several key reasons:

Empathy and human connection: The therapeutic relationship is based on empathy and connection between therapist and patient. Humans have the unique ability to understand and respond to emotions, nuances and subtleties of the human experience, which greatly contributes to the healing and growth process staff.
Understand individuality: Each person is unique in their history, personality and circumstances. Human therapists can adapt their approaches to meet each patient's specific needs, considering her personal history, values, and goals.
Flexibility and adaptability: Psychotherapy involves adapting to the patient's changing needs as they progress on their journey of self-discovery. Human therapists have the ability to adjust their approach in real time and according to the patient's responses and reactions.
Intuition and clinical judgment: Experienced therapists develop clinical judgment based on their training, experience, and deep understanding of human psychology. They can identify patterns, underlying challenges, and growth opportunities that go beyond what technology could capture.
Focus Flexibility: Each patient is different and may require different therapeutic approaches. Human therapists have the ability to integrate a variety of techniques and strategies to address the patient's changing needs.
Respect and ethics: Human therapists are trained to handle ethically complex and sensitive situations. They can discern when sensitive topics need to be addressed, such as past trauma or risk situations, and take appropriate steps to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.
Genuine presence: Human presence in therapy implies an authenticity and connection that is difficult to replicate with technologies. Therapists can provide a safe, welcoming space where patients feel authentically seen and heard.
Change process: The process of change in therapy often involves emotional challenges and resistance. Human therapists can accompany the patient through these difficult times, offering personalized support, guidance and encouragement.

While technology and artificial intelligence can complement psychotherapy in some aspects, the importance of flesh-and-blood professionals lies in their ability to address the complexity and richness of the human experience in a profound and authentic.

How are personalized treatment, on the one hand, and offering the appropriate therapeutic approach for each patient, on the other?

Personalized treatment and offering the appropriate therapeutic approach for each patient are intrinsically related and are fundamental aspects of effective psychotherapy. Here I explain how they connect:

Deep understanding of the patient: To offer an appropriate therapeutic approach, it is necessary to have a deep and holistic understanding of each patient. This includes knowing your history, background, past experiences, goals, values, and current challenges. Only through personalized treatment can this detailed information be obtained.
Adaptation of techniques and strategies: Each individual has their own unique needs and responses. By having personalized treatment, the therapist can adapt therapeutic techniques and strategies to meet the specific needs of the patient. What works for one person may not be effective for another, and a therapist with personal understanding can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Building a strong therapeutic relationship: The therapeutic relationship is essential to the success of therapy. Personalized treatment allows us to build a relationship of trust and respect between the therapist and the patient. When patients feel that they are being understood and respected on a personal level, they are more willing to open up and engage in the therapeutic process.
Identification of patterns and hidden needs: Through personalized treatment, therapists can identify patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that may be contributing to the patient's challenges. Additionally, they may uncover hidden needs that may not be apparent on the surface. This allows for deeper exploration and precise intervention.
Alignment with patient goals: Each patient has unique goals and objectives in therapy. An appropriate therapeutic approach must be aligned with these goals. Personalized treatment allows the therapist to understand the patient's aspirations and work together to develop strategies that lead to achieving those goals.
Flexibility in approach: As the patient progresses in their therapeutic journey, their needs and circumstances may change. Personalized treatment facilitates the therapist's flexibility to adjust the therapeutic approach according to what is most beneficial at each stage of the process.

In summary, personalized treatment is the basis on which the appropriate therapeutic approach for each patient is built. Without a deep and personalized understanding of each individual, it would be difficult to offer effective and meaningful therapy that truly addresses their needs and promotes their emotional well-being.

Taking into account that it is not possible to make progress in the psychotherapeutic process if the patient does not gets involved in it and adopts a passive attitude, what do psychologists do to facilitate this? happen?

It is true that the active and committed participation of the patient is essential to achieve significant advances in the psychotherapeutic process. Psychologists employ various strategies to facilitate effective patient engagement:

Creating a safe environment: Psychologists establish an environment of trust and respect where patients feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. A safe space promotes openness and active participation.
Collaborative Goal Setting: Therapists work together with patients to establish realistic and meaningful therapeutic goals. By involving patients in defining goals, they feel more motivated to work toward them.
Education about the process: Psychologists explain how therapy works and how it can help patients deal with their challenges. By understanding the process and its potential benefits, patients are more likely to commit.
Promotion of autonomy: Therapists empower patients to take an active role in their change process. This may include encouraging informed decision making and the development of coping skills.
Active listening and empathy: Psychologists practice active listening and demonstrate empathy toward patients' experiences and concerns. This helps patients feel understood and valued, which in turn encourages their participation.
Resistance exploration: Therapists explore any resistance or ambivalence that patients may have toward the therapeutic process. By addressing these barriers, obstacles to active participation can be identified and overcome.
Use of interactive techniques: Psychologists use interactive therapeutic techniques that involve patients in exploring and resolving their challenges. This may include practical exercises, between-session assignments, and guided reflections.
Feedback and collaboration: Therapists obtain regular feedback from patients about how they are experiencing the therapeutic process. Collaboration in planning and adjusting sessions can increase the patient's sense of responsibility and commitment.
Celebration of achievements: Recognizing and celebrating patients' progress and achievements reinforces their commitment to the process. This motivates them to continue working and participating actively.

Ultimately, psychologists use a combination of empathy, education, collaboration, and therapeutic techniques to foster a active and committed participation by patients, which is essential to achieve positive change in the process psychotherapeutic.

Can we understand psychotherapy as an investment in mental health?

Yes, we can definitely understand psychotherapy as an investment in mental health. Just as we take care of our physical health and consider healthcare to be an investment in our general well-being, psychotherapy can be considered an investment in our mental health and emotional. Here are some reasons why psychotherapy can be seen as a valuable investment:

Improved emotional well-being: Psychotherapy helps address emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and personal concerns. By improving our emotional state, our overall quality of life can increase significantly.
Problem prevention and management: Therapy not only addresses current problems, but can also prevent the exacerbation of long-term problems. Learning skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges can be invaluable in avoiding more serious mental health problems in the future.
Development of coping skills: Therapy provides people with tools and strategies to deal with challenges in healthy and effective ways. These skills can be applied in various areas of life and over time.
Improvement of interpersonal relationships: Psychotherapy can improve communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, which can have a positive impact on family relationships, friendships, and at work.
Promotion of personal growth: Therapy not only addresses problems, but can also be an opportunity to explore self-discovery, self-understanding, and personal growth. This can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
Long term savings: Addressing mental health problems early can prevent them from getting worse and requiring more intensive and expensive interventions in the future. Investing in psychotherapy can save costs in terms of time, money, and emotional suffering in the long term.
Promoting resilience: Through therapy, people can develop emotional resilience, allowing them face challenges more effectively and adapt to changing situations more ease.
Improved quality of life: Investing in mental health through psychotherapy can lead to a fuller life, satisfying and meaningful, by allowing people to address and overcome emotional and mental.

In short, viewing psychotherapy as an investment in mental health is a wise perspective. By caring for and strengthening our mental health, we are investing in our overall well-being and our ability to face life's challenges with greater resilience and satisfaction.