Psychotherapy is the treatment of an individuals mental or emotional disorder, sometimes combined with medication, conducted by a licensed therapist. Treatment usually consists of talking about your condition and related issues. There are different types of psychotherapy which include individual, group, couples, and family.
How Does it Help?
Psychotherapy helps people to understand the emotions and behaviors that contribute to their mental illnesses. Psychotherapy can also help people gain coping skills and a sense of control in life.
Length
The length of time you will need to spend in psychotherapy will depend on the nature of the illness and how well you are responding to therapy. In some cases it may only require a few sessions and sometimes it can take much longer.
Therapy Tips
- Keep all scheduled appointments
- Establish goals
- Review progress
- If not happy with your therapist seek a second opinion
Might Need Psychotherapy If
- There is a marked personality change
- Lack of coping skills
- Excessive anxiety
- Prolonged depression
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Thinking about suicide
- Extreme mood swings
- Excessive anger
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning any psychotherapy program.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Length of therapy depends on the individual
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Fact:
Not a quick fix
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Medication often used also
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Fact:
Can help learn problem solving skills and coping techniques
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Fact:
Can help improve a person's overall health status
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Fact:
Works best when both patient and counselor communicate openly
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Fact:
Has been found to increase survival rate for heart surgery and cancer patients
