Let's Talk About Therapy by Matthew Lowe, DO

What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that aims to help individuals overcome psychological difficulties and improve their mental health and well-being. It involves talking to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor, in a structured and supportive setting.

During psychotherapy sessions, the therapist helps the client explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify underlying patterns and causes of distress. The therapist may use a variety of techniques and approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy, to help the client gain insight, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes in their life.

Psychotherapy can be beneficial for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and addiction. It can be conducted one-on-one, in groups, or with families or couples, and may involve short-term or long-term treatment depending on the individual's needs and goals.

How does psychotherapy help with mental disorders?
Psychotherapy can help with mental disorders in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

• Identifying and understanding the underlying causes: Psychotherapy can help individuals understand the root causes of their mental health issues, which may include past experiences, environmental factors, or genetics. By identifying and understanding these causes, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives.
• Developing coping strategies: Psychotherapy can help individuals develop effective coping strategies to manage symptoms of mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression. These strategies may include relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, or behavior modification.
• Changing negative thought patterns: Many mental disorders are associated with negative thought patterns, such as low self-esteem or negative self-talk. Psychotherapy can help individuals identify and challenge these patterns, and replace them with more positive and helpful thoughts.
• Improving relationships: Psychotherapy can help individuals improve their relationships with others, including family members, friends, and romantic partners. By developing better communication skills and addressing underlying issues, individuals can build stronger and more supportive relationships.
• Providing support and validation: Psychotherapy can provide individuals with a safe and supportive space to share their thoughts and feelings. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may not have a strong support system in their personal lives.

Overall, psychotherapy can be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with mental disorders, as it provides a structured and supportive environment to help them understand, manage, and overcome their symptoms.

What are some common types of psychotherapy?
There are several different types of psychotherapy, each with its own approach and techniques. Here are some common types of psychotherapy:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is often used to treat anxiety and depression.
2. Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and emotions to gain insight into current behaviors and patterns. It is often used to treat personality disorders and trauma.
3. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):  DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the importance of both acceptance and change.  It combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as problem-solving and emotion regulation, with concepts from Eastern meditation practices, such as mindfulness and acceptance.
   
4. Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication and relationship skills to help individuals cope with life transitions and relationship problems.
   
5. Family therapy: Family therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within families. It is often used to treat family-related issues such as addiction, behavioral problems, and mental illness.
6. Group therapy: Group therapy involves multiple individuals participating in therapy sessions together. It can be an effective way to provide support, improve social skills, and learn from others who have similar experiences.

It's important to note that different therapists may use different techniques and approaches, or combine multiple approaches to tailor treatment to the individual's specific needs and goals.

What mental disorders are commonly treated with psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental health disorders, including:

• Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias
• Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
• Substance use disorders, such as alcoholism and drug addiction
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

In addition to treating specific mental health disorders, psychotherapy can also help individuals develop coping skills, improve communication and relationships, manage stress, and enhance overall well-being. It's important to note that different types of psychotherapy may be more effective for certain mental health disorders, and that treatment plans should be tailored to meet the individual's specific needs and goals. A mental health professional can help determine the most appropriate type of psychotherapy for a particular individual.

What types of mental health professionals provide psychotherapy?
There are several types of mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy, including:

1. Psychologists: Psychologists are trained professionals with a doctoral degree in psychology who provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They use a variety of evidence-based approaches to help clients overcome mental health challenges.
2. Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. They are able to provide psychotherapy as well as prescribe medication for their clients.
3. Licensed clinical social workers (LSWs): LSWs are trained mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They may also provide case management, advocacy, and community outreach services.
4. Licensed professional counselors (LPCs): LPCs are trained mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They may also provide career counseling and other support services.
5. Marriage and family therapists (MFTs): MFTs are trained mental health professionals who specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families. They provide psychotherapy to help individuals, and are specialty trained to help couples and families address relationship and communication issues, and develop healthy coping strategies.
6. Psychiatric nurse practitioners: Psychiatric nurse practitioners are registered nurses with additional training who specialize in mental health care. They may provide psychotherapy, medication management, and other support services independently, under the supervision of a psychiatrist or through a collaboration agreement with a psychiatrist, depending on the state of residence.
7. Psychiatric physician assistants: Psychiatrist physician assistants are physician assistants who specialize in mental health care. They may provide psychotherapy, medication management, and other support services under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

It's important to note that the specific credentials and training of mental health professionals can vary depending on the country or region. It's always a good idea to do some research and ensure that the mental health professional you are considering is licensed or certified to practice in your area.

Are there any side effects from psychotherapy?
In general, psychotherapy is considered a safe and effective treatment for mental health issues, and it is unlikely to cause any serious side effects. However, some individuals may experience some mild or temporary side effects, such as:

• Emotional discomfort: As individuals explore and address difficult thoughts and feelings during psychotherapy, they may experience some emotional discomfort or temporary increase in symptoms. This is a normal part of the therapeutic process and usually subsides as the individual progresses in treatment.
• Physical symptoms: Some individuals may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or muscle tension during or after therapy sessions. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be addressed by discussing them with the therapist.
• Relationship changes: As individuals work on their mental health challenges, they may also experience changes in their relationships with others. This can sometimes be challenging, as individuals adjust to new patterns of communication and behavior.
• Financial burden: Depending on the type of therapy and insurance coverage, psychotherapy can be costly and may create a financial burden for some individuals.

​It's important to discuss any concerns or side effects with your therapist and work together to address them. Additionally, it's important to have a clear understanding of the goals and expectations of therapy before starting, and to communicate any concerns or questions with your therapist.

Providers for Healthy Living offers medication management and therapy options for patients dealing with a wide range of mental health problems.  If you or a loved one are struggling, contact us today.  We are here to help!