Psychotherapy is a process of discovery whose medical goal is to eliminate or control troubling and painful symptoms so that the patient can return to normal functioning. It ... can be used to help a person overcome a specific problem or to stimulate overall emotional growth and healing. In regularly scheduled sessions-usually 45-50 minutes in length-a patient works with a psychiatrist or other therapist to identify, learn to manage, and, ultimately, overcome emotional and mental problems. Discussions between patient and psychotherapist reveal the basis of problems and enable the patient to better understand him- or herself and gain relief from specific issues. Psychotherapy is an active process requiring concentration, energy, and commitment by both parties. Many patients complete psychotherapy in 16 or fewer sessions, especially for behavior-specific problems.