What Does Psychotherapy Do For My Mental Health?
Psychotherapy is the application of psychological approaches, especially when geared towards changing behavior, increase personal well-being, and overcome difficulties. The term was first used in the 1960s by the American Psychological Association, but it has become more popular in recent years as more attention is focused upon mental health. Some of the disorders associated with anxiety and depression include post-traumatic stress disorder, bulimia, binge eating disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder.
CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is one particular form of psychotherapy that addresses many psychological issues. In CBT, therapists carefully identify both the cause and effect of the disorder, and work with the patient to change their thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy is particularly helpful for treating disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In psychological assessment, psychotherapists ask questions about specific behaviors, physical responses, and thought patterns. Examples of questions may include: Have you had thoughts about hurting yourself? Have you ever thought that you would hurt yourself? Do you worry that you will hurt yourself? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then the counselor will likely have you complete a battery of behavioral therapy or counseling sessions.
During the psychotherapy session, the therapist and client interact with each other in an attempt to understand the root causes of the emotional behaviors. It is important to remember that psychotherapy cannot remove unchangeable behaviors from your life. However, psychotherapy can equip the client with the skills to change their thoughts and behaviors in ways that help them cope with change. When the client has a strong understanding of their disorder, they may be better able to address their feelings in productive ways.
A major benefit of psychotherapy is that it can provide relief for people suffering from long-term psychological disorders. These can include: alcohol or drug addiction, depression, anxiety, phobias, pornography addiction, or other long-term disorders. This relief can give these people the chance to live healthy, productive lives. When the client attends psychotherapy sessions, they are given the tools to deal with their dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. This helps them break out of the damaging cycle of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
The majority of therapists who specialize in psychotherapy are licensed in their field. A qualified psychotherapist will be able to access your personal experiences and will know how to address those needs. This type of therapy sessions will give your therapist the ability to help you deal with feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, fear, and stress that you may feel. Through therapy sessions, you will be able to discover your triggers and learn new ways to deal with those triggers in a healthy way.
There are a variety of types of mental health professionals who can perform psychotherapy. If you suffer from a severe form of depression, you may want to schedule one session with a psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist will be able to determine whether your depression is related to an underlying disorder, and will work with you to treat your depression. If you suffer from anxiety, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication for you to take during your sessions. You can then begin to work with your counselor to learn new ways to deal with your anxiety.
Psychotherapy training is often part of larger courses designed to improve someone’s life and career. These programs often require months or even years of concentrated effort on your behalf. If you suffer from depression or any type of anxiety-based disorder, a qualified mental health professional should be your first medical care provider. Your health care professional can give you the tools you need to break free of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, as well as providing insight into how to treat your depression and anxiety.