

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use several types of therapy. Follow through with any assignments between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what you’ve talked about. To help get the most out of psychotherapy, approach the therapy as a collaborative effort, be open and honest, and follow your agreed upon plan for treatment. In most cases the brain changes resulting from psychotherapy were similar to changes resulting from medication. 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. With the use of brain imaging techniques researchers have been able to see changes in the brain after a person has undergone psychotherapy. The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction. 1 Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviors and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body. About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it. Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep, can be important in supporting recovery and overall wellness. For many people combined medication and psychotherapy treatment is better than either alone. In some circumstances medication may be clearly useful and in others psychotherapy may be the best option. Psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication to treat mental health conditions. Also, although patients share personal feelings and thoughts, intimate physical contact with a therapist is never appropriate, acceptable, or useful. The goals of treatment and arrangements for how often and how long to meet are planned jointly by the patient and therapist.Ĭonfidentiality is a basic requirement of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few sessions), dealing with immediate issues, or long-term (months or years), dealing with longstanding and complex issues. The trust and relationship between a person and his/her therapist is essential to working together effectively and benefiting from psychotherapy. Both patient and therapist need to be actively involved in psychotherapy. Sessions are typically held once a week for about 30 to 50. Therapy may be conducted in an individual, family, couple, or group setting, and can help both children and adults.

Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain problems or issues. Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties in coping with daily life the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, like the death of a loved one and specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties.
