How does psychotherapy help?

Psychotherapy is based on regular personal interaction to help people change their behaviors and overcome problems in the desired way. It is a form of intervention between a psychotherapist and client that hopefully resolves in the client gaining new insight about their issues. 

Psychotherapy is about opening up to a therapist about your struggles, in a way that allows your therapist to hear and empathize with what you are going through. Therapists often practice active listening, taking an objective stance, and giving their clients valuable tools and information to make real and meaningful life changes. 

A therapist can help you resolve various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship problems, and anything else you may be struggling with. Psychotherapists are trained in various techniques called treatment modalities to help their clients get through whatever they are facing. Personal changes are made through open communication, behavioral changes, understanding patterns, changing perspectives, finding solutions, and other methods a therapist may use to help improve a client’s quality of life and mental state.

Many professionals practice psychotherapy – psychologists, family therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatrists. 

The National Institute of Mental Health states that one-third of adults in the US experience an emotional or substance abuse problem or disorder in their lifetime. Almost 25 percent of adults in the US will experience depression or anxiety. These numbers show that facing life problems and struggles don’t mean you are crazy or alone. When issues like anxiety, depression, or anything else you may be going through develop, don’t go at it alone – get help.

Should I consider psychotherapy?

By talking to a mental health professional, those suffering from anxiety, grief, and other emotional struggles have improved their quality of life. Change can happen anywhere from a slight increase to feeling completely cured – the spectrum of help provided through psychotherapy is vast and can be long-term.

Those with mental health problems often feel that there is no way out of them. If a mental health professional cannot help them, their first resource outside medicine is usually self-medicating through drugs or alcohol. Others spiral out of control, which can lead to even worse mental disorders down the road or even suicide. By seeking the help of a psychotherapist, you can minimize your problems and struggles by receiving support and the tools you need to respond better to life’s difficulties.

The most common reasons someone might look to see a psychotherapist include the following:

• Feeling overwhelmed and in despair for long periods.
• Emotional problems make living life daily a chore and seem impossible.
• The behaviors brought about by these emotions harm their relationships, either through withdrawal or violence/aggression.
• They have no one else to turn to, and an outside source for help is the safest option.

Is psychotherapy effective?

Many studies have shown throughout the years that psychotherapy is effective in treating and managing mental illnesses and other emotional problems. Those with depression, anxiety, and addictions can see an increase in their quality of life. 

The positive effects of psychotherapy can also be found in regards to physical illness. Psychotherapy can increase the survival time of those who have gone through heart surgery and cancer treatments because of the positivity and support it gives them. This means that psychotherapy affects both a person’s physical and mental well-being.

It is true, however, that no one can be cured overnight. The positive aspects of psychotherapy can be both short-term and long-term, but both parties’ efforts are required. 

How do you get the most out of psychotherapy?

First, be willing and open to therapy. Many suffering from mental health issues, life’s many obstacles, or addictions have a crippling fear of failure or aren’t fully committed to the recovery and healing process. You must cooperate with your psychotherapist and follow any at-home instructions they offer you.

Remember that therapy is a two-way street. Your therapist is responsible for treating you competently with approved therapy methods and understanding. You are also responsible for being open to what your therapist has to say.

How do I know the therapy is working?

First and foremost, your therapist will establish goals of therapy with you concerning your current problem. These goals can be long and short-term, but they should be set out within a few sessions. Short-term goals can be easily tracked, but long-term goals may be more important to keep in mind. Focusing on your progress toward your goals can be a great way to track your success.

Any progress is a process. You probably won’t see instant results, so don’t be discouraged if change doesn’t happen immediately. Also, remember to take baby steps; no one wants to be uncomfortable or go through a long process to recover. However, that might be what it takes.

Therapy works best when you have a good rapport with your psychotherapist. If at some point, you feel stuck or like you aren’t moving forward with your therapist, they may not be a good fit for you, and you might have to look for someone that is a better fit.

Remember to consider your therapist’s opinions and observations while bringing in your mind’s rational ideas. It is typical to become emotional and break down once you start therapy. You’re likely tackling many tough subjects, which can make you more emotional. Sometimes the more emotional or anxious you feel after treatment, the more proof there is that you are moving forward. Going through therapy isn’t always easy, but the results you’ll see for your efforts are well worth it.

References

American Psychological Association. (2021). Demand for mental health treatment continues to increase, say psychologists. Retrieved December 1, 2022 from: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/10/mental-health-treatment-demand

American Psychological Association. (2016). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. Retrieved April 16, 2019, from: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy.aspx

Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H., Lior Givon, M.D., PH.D. (2019, January). What is Psychotherapy? Retrieved April 16, 2019, from: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy

Herkov, M. (2018). What Is Psychotherapy? Retrieved on April 15, 2019, from: https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-psychotherapy/