What is Return-to-Work (RTW) psychotherapy

A specialized therapeutic approach designed to support individuals facing mental health challenges as they transition back to employment.

This type of therapy focuses on several key areas:

  1. Emotional Resilience: Helping clients build emotional strength to manage anxiety, depression, or stress that may arise in the workplace.

  2. Practical Coping Strategies: Teaching techniques to handle workplace stressors, including time management, assertiveness, and communication skills.

  3. Gradual Reintegration: Developing a step-by-step plan for returning to work, including setting realistic goals and gradually increasing work responsibilities.

  4. Addressing Barriers: Identifying and working through obstacles that may hinder the return to work, such as interpersonal conflicts or self-doubt.

  5. Enhancing Well-Being: Fostering a holistic approach that emphasizes self-care, work-life balance, and overall mental health improvement.

  6. Collaboration with the Insurer: If appropriate, facilitating communication with the insurer to ensure a supportive work environment and necessary accommodations.

RTW psychotherapy aims to empower clients to regain confidence, improve their functionality, and successfully transition back to work, creating a path toward a fulfilling and balanced professional life.

Finding Clarity and Balance

What's On Your Mind?

In therapy, you might discuss:

  • Current challenges you’re facing, like anxiety or stress.
  • Emotional experiences related to recent events or relationships.
  • Work-related concerns, such as burnout or fears about returning to work.
  • Coping strategies you’ve tried and their effectiveness.
  • Goals and aspirations you want to achieve personally or professionally.
  • Past experiences that impact your present.
  • Interpersonal relationships and communication issues.
  • Self-care practices and areas for improvement.
  • Progress you've made and areas to focus on.
  • Questions about the therapeutic process or any concerns.

References:

Frye, D. (2024, February). Treatment therapy: What to Talk about in Therapy. Psychology Today.