Psychotherapy is a form of treatment for emotional and behavioral problems in which a therapist establishes a relationship with an individual for the purpose of modifying self-defeating patterns of behavior and promoting positive personality growth and development. Psychotherapy is generally undertaken to gain self-knowledge and relief from symptoms. Most people come to therapy because coping mechanisms, which have served them in the past, are no longer working or useful. A variety of techniques may be used, based on individual needs.