What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is the medical term for talk therapy. In psychiatry, there are different ways to manage and treat mental health disorders, and psychotherapy is one of the most common methods. Psychiatrists use it to help patients address their problems.

Talk therapy in psychiatry is often confused with counseling, which is another form of treatment. Counseling is more short term and specifically problem oriented, meaning the psychiatrist will help the patient focus on one particular issue. Once the problem is outlined, the psychiatrist can provide the patient with ways to overcome it. 

Psychotherapy is different in the sense that it tends to focus on a broader range of problems. When patients visit a psychiatry office with multiple mental health problems or if they suffer from years of mental illness, psychotherapy may be recommended. It is more of a long-term method of treatment that enables multiple problems to be tackled.

How does psychotherapy work?

Psychotherapy works in several ways. Psychiatric treatment can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps the patient outline their problems and the thought processes behind them. Outside of the initial problem, the psychiatrist will also help the patient recognize patterns and behaviors that contribute to the disorder or illness. In the long term, this can help the patient avoid certain negative behaviors that may interfere with their social or personal relationships. Additionally, the psychiatrist can provide the patient with recommendations on how to regulate emotions and thoughts when something stressful arises. 

What are the expectations for psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy treatment is usually a long-term process, meaning patients should expect to put in the effort. Therapy of any kind, especially psychiatric, can be difficult and emotional. However, the results can be helpful, satisfying, and positive over time. Psychotherapy in particular is geared toward helping patients achieve their goals, feel better, and manage their anxieties, stresses, and difficulties in a way that does not ignore an issue, but rather controls it. 

Frequently asked questions about psychotherapy

Many people think that they could use psychotherapy. Let us go over the answers to a few of the questions that potential patients might have. 

1. Is medication included with psychotherapy?

No, medication is not always combined with psychotherapy. Whether medication is prescribed typically depends on the severity of the patient's mental health disorder and personal preferences. The type of mental health professional whom a patient gets their treatment from also impacts if medication is included. Only psychiatrists can prescribe psychotropic drugs to address mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and compulsive-obsessive disorder.

2. What are the benefits of therapy?

People who get therapy enjoy many benefits. For starters, therapists provide support, coping strategies, and problem-solving skills to help with stress, grief, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Therapy can also help patients manage life's daily hassles, interpersonal relationships, and a patient's personal growth. The benefits that each patient gets from therapy vary depending on how much they put into the process, especially practicing the things that they learn during their sessions. Other benefits of therapy include:

• Learning better ways to manage anxiety and stress

• Getting resolution for the concerns or issues that brought them to therapy

• Improving their understanding of themselves, their values, and goals

• Learning skills that help manage relationships

• Improving listening and communication skills

• Ending old behavior patterns and creating new ones

• Improving self-esteem and confidence

3. What about handling issues on my own?

While it is possible to stop harmful behaviors and thoughts with self-help, psychotherapy provides a more comprehensive solution. Mental health disorders like depression are not things that people can simply will themselves out of. They need professional help to get past the issues or trauma causing their disorder. 

Get started today

Psychiatry treatment does not just involve psychotherapy. There are different options that a psychiatrist can offer, but it is up to them to determine which may be successful. Psychotherapy may not work for everyone, so it is recommended to undergo a thorough evaluation. 

If you have questions or concerns about psychiatry treatments or psychotherapy, reach out to our office so we can better assist you. Give us a call or stop by today! 

Become a new patient today or give us a call: 631-673-3233.