National Psychotherapy Day

Georgia Stone
Sep 07, 2023 By Georgia Stone
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
Learn about National Psychotherapy Day observing the work of therapists

Where is National Psychotherapy Day observed?

National Psychotherapy Day is primarily marked in the United States, with the goal of dispelling public skepticism and misunderstanding about psychotherapy, raising awareness about mental health issues, and encouraging people to seek treatment when they need it.

Who is National Psychotherapy Day observed by?

This day brings clinicians, patients, organizations, and treatment advocates together to celebrate the profession, educate adults and kids about mental illness, and raise awareness about community mental health issues. The purpose of this day is to promote, research, and support psychotherapy for all who need it!

When did National Psychotherapy Day first start?

The first annual National Psychotherapy Day took place on September 25, 2012, in collaboration with leading therapist directory, GoodTherapy.org, and The Psychotherapy Foundation, a non-profit organization of mental health professionals.

Who started National Psychotherapy Day?

Dr. Ryan Howes: a licensed American clinical psychologist and a PsychologyToday blogger, founded National Psychotherapy Day with a group of other clinicians; endorsed by the therapist directory GoodTherapy.org and The Psychotherapy Foundation.

History And Timeline

This day was started with an aim to challenge distorted public perceptions of therapy and therapists. Along with a lack of low fee counseling centers and public awareness initiatives in support of therapy, the US struggles with a lack of funding for community mental health centers (CMHS).

Moreover, the media's portrayal of psychotherapy hasn't helped the cause either. Read on to learn about some important events in the history and development of modern psychotherapy in the following timeline.

First 32 Psychiatric Hospitals

Dorothea Dix, an American educator, and reformer, founded and raised money for dozens of first-generation institutions across the United States and in Europe to treat mental illness patients.

1840s

First Experimental Psychology Lab Opens

Wilhelm Wundt established the first laboratory of experimental psychology in Leipzig, Germany in 1979.

1879

Psychoanalysis Is Founded

The concept of psychoanalysis started in 1896 with Sigmund Freud's belief that every person has unconscious natural mental processes, like thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories.

1890s

Analytical Psychology Is Founded

Carl Jung was a famous Swiss psychiatrist who founded Analytical Psychology and theorized the introvert and extrovert personality types.

'10s

(DSM) Is Launched

The first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was published by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952, and it remains a cornerstone tool for guiding diagnosis and therapy to this day.

1952

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Was Developed

The first scientific journal dedicated to behavior therapy, 'Behavior Research And Therapy', was published in 1963, and by the late '60s, several other psychologists were combining behavior therapy with cognitive procedures aimed at changing clients' negative thought patterns.

'60s

Traditions And Customs

Noah Rubinstein, the CEO of GoodTherapy.org, says 'one in four individuals experience a mental health issue each year, increasing knowledge of the benefits of psychotherapy is crucial to reducing suffering and creating a healthier planet.' Talk therapy can have an extremely positive impact on children, who sometimes struggle with bullies, family problems, or other emotional problems.

Therapists help children learn how to cope with their issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

As simple as a kind deed can help support this 'Day to Give Differently.' Doing anything that challenges the stigma of psychotherapy while drawing awareness to its effectiveness can help make this day a success.  

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Psychotherapy Day

If you're looking for ways to participate in this day, there are plenty of things you can do. You can write and share articles, raise awareness on social media, or even visit your local psychotherapist and say thank you!

You can also use social media to spread the word about this day and encourage your friends and family to learn more about psychotherapy's benefits. Participants are encouraged to wear turquoise on September 25 and to learn more about the event by visiting the National Psychotherapy Day website.

Facts And Stats

  • In 2017, on National Psychotherapy Day, a short film series titled 'Shrink' was released featuring successful artists who described their therapy experiences.
  • National Psychotherapy Day observes its 10th anniversary in 2022, as it has been celebrated since 2012.
  • National Psychotherapy Day challenges the stereotype of therapy and therapists in media, encourages community support for low-fee counseling centers, and promotes the use of therapy over drugs.

What is the Japanese Federation for Psychotherapy?

The Japan Federation of Psychotherapy is an organization that certifies people to work as psychotherapists in Japan.

Who invented the concept of National Psychotherapy Day?

It was started by Dr. Ryan Howes and a group of psychotherapy professionals to talk about psychological well-being and the benefits of a good therapeutic relationship.

What are some advantages of observing National Psychotherapy Day?

This day is important because it helps break down the barriers that prevent clients from seeking therapy and mental illness treatment, thereby promoting the work done by therapists.

What are the limitations in observing this day?

There are no limitations, as one should always appreciate their therapist for all the help they provide. You should spread awareness on this day to those who don't know about mental illness.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, September 25, 2020
  • Saturday, September 25, 2021
  • Sunday, September 25, 2022
  • Monday, September 25, 2023
  • Wednesday, September 25, 2024

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Written by Georgia Stone

Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia Stone picture

Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.

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Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

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