You can address issues with your mental health, daily struggles, and personal development through psychotherapy, a type of talk therapy. It is often used along with medication but can also be effective.
A good therapist has the proper education, training and experience to meet your needs. They are also a person you can trust and respect.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment that can help you learn new ways of thinking, behaving and coping with problems. It can also help you get relief from symptoms that medication doesn’t address and improve your overall quality of life.
You and your therapist will explore the issues causing you distress during psychotherapy. You and your psychologist will then identify ways to make changes.
Sometimes you’ll feel worse before you start feeling better as your therapist explores complex topics. That’s normal.
It’s essential to stay in therapy as long as you and your therapist think it will help you. You should schedule periodic check-ups with your therapist from Elevated Counseling to make sure you are making progress.
How Does Psychotherapy Work?
A type of mental health care called psychotherapy can assist you in resolving emotional issues or problems. It can help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
It can also help you manage symptoms that aren’t well controlled by medication or other treatments. Depending on your needs, you may need therapy for a short period of months or years.
In psychotherapy, you and your therapist work together to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviors and learn new ways of thinking and behaving.
The goal is to improve your overall happiness, wellness and satisfaction with life. It can also help you better understand your past and build stronger relationships with those around you.
When you start therapy, your therapist will gather information about your medical history and other details about your situation. They’ll then create a treatment plan for you.
What is the Goal of Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is an umbrella term that describes psychological techniques to help people change their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that cause problems or distress. Most types of therapy aim to reduce symptoms, improve mental and physical health, and enhance functioning in daily life.
The specific therapy type used depends on the problem or disorder and the therapist’s experience, training, and credentials. Many evidence-based therapies have been shown to work effectively.
Psychotherapy can also be used with medication if it is appropriate for the patient. For example, in treating severe depression and bipolar disorder, a licensed psychologist may prescribe psychiatric medications as part of the treatment.
Psychotherapy can also improve emotional and social functioning in people with mild to moderate mood or anxiety disorders. Research shows that most psychotherapy patients experience symptom relief and can function more effectively.
How Can Psychotherapy Help Me?
Psychotherapy can help you cope with difficulties in your life, such as stress, anxiety, depression, medical illness or loss. It can also allow you to learn new coping skills to improve your quality of life.
Research shows 75% of psychotherapy patients report symptom relief and improved daily function. It is also an excellent way to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Depending on your needs, you and your therapist decide how often you will meet and for how long. It is essential to choose a therapist who is skilled and experienced.
Try a few different therapists before you find one right for you. Talk to your primary care physician, friends or family members who have used a psychotherapist before, or look online for local and state therapist directories.