The Journey Within: Exploring the Power of Psychotherapy

OVERVIEW

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Approximately 41.7 million adults in the United States received treatment or counseling for their mental health within the past year in 2021. And two of the most common reasons two common reasons for seeking mental health treatment are anxiety and depression(1).

Psychotherapy is a therapeutic intervention that allows individuals to recognize, address and overcome their psychological challenges, thereby minimizing the adverse impacts of their mental health issues. Sigmund Freud is considered one of the founders of psychoanalysis and his work has had a major impact on psychology, psychiatry and social theory. Through psychotherapy, individuals can acquire new coping mechanisms to navigate challenging situations and enhance their interpersonal connections with loved ones. Different types of psychotherapy may be suitable for you, depending on your circumstances and experiences. (2)These different approaches and methods can assist you in addressing persistent issues, the effects of trauma, and other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

When Should You See a Psychotherapist?

There are a few reasons you may want to see a psychotherapist. The most common reasons are:

• You are experiencing mental health symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, and you feel you're dealing with them alone. For example, you might feel overwhelmed or depressed, but making time for therapy is challenging because of work or family pressures.

• You have problems coping with daily life, such as work stress or relationship issues. Psychotherapy helps you find ways to deal with common problems that always bother you most of the time.

• You've had past experiences that have left scars on your psyche, which aren't healing well. Therapy can help bring them into the light so they don't continue affecting your life negatively.

• If you've experienced trauma or abuse as a child, psychotherapy can help you process that experience and make sense of it.

• If you're dealing with substance abuse problems alongside depression or anxiety, talking to a psychotherapist might assist you in managing those substances in a way that won't mess up your life anymore.

What is the Outcome of Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy aims to address the underlying causes of symptoms and problems, including those that may be causing patients to avoid treatment or think that their symptoms are permanent and intractable.

Goal of Psychotherapy

In Psychotherapy, the aim is to address the symptoms and build up the patient's capacity to manage stress, whether it's something from the past or currently ongoing. During psychotherapy, your therapist assists you in comprehending how your thoughts, emotions, and actions impact your life. They'll collaborate with you to identify your top priorities and devise a plan to help you achieve them. It is a process of working with your mind and emotions to change the way you think and feel.

It's not just about talking about your problems--it's about working through them together.

Benefits of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment that helps people explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by talking with a therapist. Therapists help people with many problems, including anxiety, grief, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Notable benefits also include the following:

1. Stronger relationship.

2. Improved communication skills

3. Increased self-awareness

4. Better coping strategies

5. Increased self-awareness

What are the types of Psychotherapy?

There are many different types of psychotherapy, including (3):

1. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy): This therapy focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors by helping patients identify their triggers for anxiety or depression. It also encourages patients to change their behavior in response to these triggers rather than simply trying not to think about them.

2. DBT (dialectical behavior therapy): This type of therapy uses mindfulness exercises and acceptance skills to help people learn how to deal with difficult emotions healthily. It teaches people how to identify negative patterns in their lives and then find alternative ways of thinking about them so they don't repeat those patterns over time (which can lead back to depression).

3. Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is an approach to therapy based on the psychoanalysis of patients' unconscious thoughts and emotions. Psychodynamic therapies primarily address problems relating to relationships, sexuality, and pre-existing conflicts in an individual's life.

4. Humanistic Therapy: Humanistic Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on self-development and growth and emphasizes the individual's drive toward self-discovery and creativity.

5. Family Therapy: Family therapy is a kind of psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, designed to help families enhance their communication skills and work through conflicts. A psychologist, licensed therapist, or clinical social worker typically provides family therapy.

6. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): It has been used by psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers for many years to help people overcome trauma, recover from illness, and improve their overall quality of life.

7. Group Therapy: It aims to support and encourage those feeling down or alone. This type of therapy aims to help people overcome their mental issues and build relationships with others who may have similar issues. It's also a great way to get help with your problems since the group leader can talk about your issues, and the other group members can offer their perspectives.

Is Psychotherapy Suitable for Everyone?

Psychotherapy works but may be suitable for everyone, and the type of therapy will depend on the individual. (4) If you are experiencing a lot of stress, it may be time to seek help from a therapist or counselor. If you've experienced trauma or abuse, psychotherapy may benefit you.

Finding the Right Therapist

Psychotherapy can be provided by different types of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, and other specialists with psychotherapy training.

If you seek mental health treatment, Phoenix Rising Centers is a prime destination offering a range of clinical and online services, including culturally-sensitive community-based mental health care for the LGBTQ+, Latinx, and Black communities.

Phoenix Rising Centers ' goal is to provide a sanctuary of hope and healing to all who seek to recover holistically. In addition, we strive to develop the cultural competence to provide quality mental health treatment to these communities.

Summary

In conclusion, psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for improving mental health, enhancing relationships, and developing better-coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges. However, with various types of therapy available, finding a therapist and approach that works for you is essential. Whether dealing with specific mental health issues or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, psychotherapy can offer many benefits and help you live a happier, healthier life.

Even if psychotherapy isn't suitable for you right now, you must find someone who can support you through the healing process—someone who listens without judgment and provides guidance and resources when needed.

And if you're interested in psychotherapy but need help figuring out where to start, don't worry. Many resources are available online that explain what psychotherapy is and how it works, and Phoenix Rising Centers is here to find the right psychotherapist near you!

References:

1. Mental health treatment or therapy among american adults 2002-2021 | Statista. [online] statista.com. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/794027/mental-health-treatment-counseling-past-year-us-adults/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20around%2041.7%20million,health%20within%20the%20past%20year. [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].

2. Psychiatry.org - What is Psychotherapy?. [online] psychiatry.org. Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].

3. Different approaches to psychotherapy. [online] apa.org. Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/approaches [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].

4. Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Wellness, Family & Relationship Issues, Sexual Disorders & ADHD Medications. [online] mentalhelp.net. Available at: https://www.mentalhelp.net/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].