Letter to Editor. Who should reach for psychotherapy ?

The term " psychotherapy " should be used only in circumstances, when the patient, by reasons of the persistence of troublesome symptoms, attend or is directed with his consent to the competent therapist (a psychologist, a doctor) who focuses on a form of treatment called psychotherapy. The American Psychological Association uses the definition developed by John C. Norcross, who wrote that: " Psychotherapy is the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable " [1]. In this perspective, it is necessary to emphasize that psychotherapy is done not only with the consent but also in line with expectations of people who undergo this form of treatment. This emphasis is needed especially during the initial lectures on psychotherapy carried out for students of medicine, nursing and psychology. Especially young students of these professions often point out that the nuisance for surrounding people caused by mental disorder is manifested by numerous groups of people who do not intend to undergo psychotherapy. Many authors publishing in the realm of the so-called positive psychology [2] and positive psychiatry [3] make a similar observation. Proponents of " positive psychology " indicate that these studies discuss " how positive emotions, engagement, meaning, personal well-being, and resilience may impact peace at different levels, ranging from the personal and interpersonal to community, national, and global peace " [2]. Jeste et al. determine the meaning of the mentioned notion by words: " Positive psychiatry may be defined as the science and practice of psychiatry that seeks to understand and promote well-being through assessment and interventions involving positive psychosocial characteristics (PPCs) in people who suffer from or are at high risk of developing mental or physical illnesses. It can also benefit nonclinical populations " [3]. Believing in the relevance of the objectives of positive psychology and psychiatry, we could ask in the course of seminars with students, which social groups should rich for the psychotherapeutic help. It can be based also on the daily observations of sur