Psychotherapy is not easily described in general terms. It varies depending on the personality of both the therapist and the client and the particular problems that the client brings to the sessions. There are a number of different approaches in psychotherapy but they all have some basic features in common. They all involve close communication between therapist and client, in which the client is encouraged to discuss her or his anxieties and most intimate experiences without moral judgment or criticism on the part of the therapist. The therapist, in turn, exhibits a warm, understanding attitude toward the client in order to encourage freedom of expression and to minimize embarrassment. Unlike a visit to a medical doctor, psychotherapy requires a very active effort on the client's part. For the best outcome, issues will require attention both during the therapy sessions and at home.

To some degree the goal of all psychotherapies is to encourage understanding of the problem on the part of the patient, whose limited insight into the nature of the difficulty arouses anxiety and makes it hard for him or her to cope with the demands of everyday living. Ultimately, the goal of all forms of psychotherapy is to create changes in behavior that will ultimately lead to a more effective and fulfilling adjustment to the environment.

Psychotherapy has both risks and benefits. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger and frustration, loneliness and helplessness. Psychotherapy often requires discussing unpleasant aspects of life.

The benefits of psychotherapy include a reduction in feelings of distress, improved relationships, better academic or work performance, resolution of specific problems and increased ability to deal with future stress.