Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can include examining interactions with others, learning social and communication skills, identifying ways to cope with stress, and developing problem-solving strategies. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can focus on developing healthy skills to cope and understanding patterns in thoughts and behaviors. These are possible elements of therapy and counseling, not a promise that every service will include them or that they will have a particular result.
Communication Skills and Problem-Solving in Therapy
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatments, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The organization describes psychotherapy as a broad category rather than a single, uniform experience. Its list of possible elements includes examining interactions with others; teaching social and communication skills; identifying ways to cope with stress; and developing problem-solving strategies.
This means communication skills in therapy and problem-solving strategies in therapy can be part of psychotherapy. The available information does not establish that every therapist uses these elements, that they appear in every course of therapy, or how they will be used for a particular person.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration similarly describes therapy and counseling as usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope. Its description also states that therapy and counseling can help people better understand patterns in thoughts and behaviors so they can change unhealthy patterns. This is a general description of therapy and counseling, not a description of a particular service, plan, or outcome.
What the available information supports
The research supports a clear but limited answer: psychotherapy can include communication skills and problem-solving strategies. It also supports that therapy and counseling can involve healthy coping skills and understanding patterns in thoughts and behaviors.
The research does not establish a standard set of activities, a required order of discussion, or a single format for these elements. It does not say that communication skills or problem-solving strategies are appropriate for every concern. It also does not determine whether a particular approach will fit a particular person.
Keeping these boundaries in view can make the question more useful. Instead of assuming what therapy will include, a person may ask how a therapist describes the approach, what goals may be discussed, and how progress may be assessed.
Why therapy approaches may differ
NIMH states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. It notes that the approach used can depend on the therapist’s training and experience, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
Because psychotherapy can vary, a general description of possible elements is not the same as a description of a specific course of therapy. A discussion of interactions with others does not establish that a particular communication activity will be used. Likewise, the presence of problem-solving strategies among possible psychotherapy elements does not establish a particular process or result.
NIMH notes that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist. The organization identifies questions about approach, rationale and evidence base, goals, time frame, and progress assessment as possible questions for a prospective therapist.
Questions that can clarify the conversation
Questions can help distinguish broad mental-health education from information about a particular therapist’s approach. They can also create space to ask about practical details without assuming that a service will follow a predetermined path.
A consultation is an opportunity to hear how a therapist describes their work and to consider whether the information is useful for your circumstances. It is reasonable to ask what the therapist may discuss, how goals are approached, and how progress is considered. The answers may help clarify the next conversation without guaranteeing a particular experience.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy. The practice FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Reflection Questions Before a Consultation
These questions are for reflection and conversation. They are not a screening tool, treatment plan, or prediction about what therapy will involve.
| Reflection question | Follow-up question |
|---|---|
| What would I like to understand about my interactions with others? | How would I describe that topic in a consultation? |
| What do I want to ask about communication skills in therapy? | How does the therapist describe their approach? |
| What do I want to understand about problem-solving strategies? | What elements might the therapist discuss? |
| What patterns in thoughts and behaviors would I like to better understand? | What question would help me begin that conversation? |
| What goals would I want to discuss? | How would progress be assessed? |
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you describe your therapeutic approach?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for the approach you use?
- How do you discuss communication skills in therapy?
- How do you discuss problem-solving strategies in therapy?
- What goals may be discussed at the beginning of therapy?
- How do you assess progress?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy include communication skills and problem-solving strategies?
Yes. NIMH states that psychotherapy can include examining interactions with others, teaching social and communication skills, identifying ways to cope with stress, and developing problem-solving strategies. This does not mean every therapy experience includes each element.
Can therapy address patterns in thoughts and behaviors?
SAMHSA states that therapy and counseling can focus on developing healthy skills to cope and understanding patterns in thoughts and behaviors. This general description does not determine what a particular person will discuss in therapy.
Can I ask about a therapist’s approach before beginning?
Yes. NIMH states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist. NIMH identifies questions about approach, rationale and evidence base, goals, time frame, and progress assessment as possible questions.
What services does Rooted Integrative Therapy list?
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
Where does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer services?
Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to make an inquiry or request an appointment, Rooted Integrative Therapy invites contact through its Connect page. The practice FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.