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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Psychotherapy

Evidence-informed definition Updated July 27, 2026 How to cite this entry

Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” is a professional, evidence-informed treatment for psychological, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, delivered through a structured therapeutic relationship between a trained mental health provider and a client, couple, family, or group. It encompasses a wide range of approaches — including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, interpersonal, systemic, and trauma-focused therapies — each with distinct techniques and evidence bases.

Psychotherapy is used to address conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related, eating, substance use, and personality disorders, as well as relational difficulties, life transitions, and stress-related concerns, and may be provided alone or in combination with pharmacologic treatments.

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Written by The Center for Nutritional Psychology
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The Center for Nutritional Psychology. (2026). Psychotherapy. In Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.

https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/psychotherapy/
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