10/25/2023
What is Psychotherapy?
Learn about psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that can help individuals experiencing a wide array of mental health conditions and emotional challenges. Psychotherapy can help not only alleviate symptoms but also, certain types of psychotherapies can help identify the psychological root causes of one's condition so a person can function better and have enhanced emotional well-being and healing.
Conditions that can be helped by psychotherapy include coping with stressful life events, the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss such as the death of a loved one; and specific mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain clinical situations. Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies.
Therapy Sessions.
Therapy may be conducted in an individual, family, couple, or group setting, and can help both children and adults. Sessions are typically held once a week for about 45 to 50 minutes. Both patients and therapists need to be actively involved in psychotherapy. The trust and relationship between a person and his/her therapist are important for working together effectively and making gains from psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks to months), dealing with more immediate challenges, or long-term (months to years), dealing with longstanding and complex issues. The goals of treatment and duration and frequency of treatment are discussed by the patient and therapist together.
Confidentiality is a basic requirement of psychotherapy. Also, although patients share personal feelings and thoughts, intimate physical contact with a therapist is never appropriate, or acceptable.
Psychotherapy and Medication.
Psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication to treat mental health conditions. In some circumstances, medication may be indicated and in others, psychotherapy may be the best option. For many people, combined medication and psychotherapy treatment can be more beneficial than either alone. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can also be valuable in supporting recovery and overall wellness.
Does Psychotherapy Work?
Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it.1 Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotional and psychological well-being and is linked with positive changes in the brain and body. The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction.
With the use of brain imaging techniques researchers have been able to see changes in the brain after a person has undergone psychotherapy. Numerous studies have identified brain changes in people with mental illness (including depression, panic disorder, PTSD, and other conditions) as a result of undergoing psychotherapy. In most cases, the brain changes resulting from psychotherapy were similar to changes resulting from medication.
To help get the most out of psychotherapy, approach the therapy as a collaborative effort, be open and honest, and follow you're agreed-upon treatment plan. Follow through with any assignments between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what you've talked about.
