Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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PSYCHOTHERAPY

In general, treatment of mental or emotional disorders by psychological methods. Technically it is the treatment of such disorders by means of psychoanalysis, nondirective or directive counseling, psychodrama, and the like. But in a broader sense it can include informal talks with a priest, minister, or rabbi, personal discussions with friends, and occupational therapy to help a person function more efficiently without probing into the unconscious motives of behavior. (Etym. Greek psyche, soul, principle of life, life + therapuo, to treat.)