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Millions of Americans have found help changing some aspect of their life through psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling. Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor.
The professional helps people gain insight into their feelings, change behaviors, resolve problems or learn how to deal with feelings like stress, grief, loss, fear and sadness. Talk therapy is sometimes combined with homework assignments between sessions. Therapy can be held one-on-one, with couples, families or even in groups.
How can psychotherapy help you?
From time to time, we all experience situations where we can benefit from a trained professional. Psychotherapy is helpful with significant life changes, decisions that need to be made and difficulties at home or work.
Talk therapy is also helpful for serious problems that interfere with day-to-day life, such as physical or mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States have an emotional or substance abuse problem for which they need help. Also, nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety. Therapy can help depression, anxiety disorders and other emotional difficulties, either alone or in combination with medication.
The National Mental Health Association suggests psychotherapy for people when:
- They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
- Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
- Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
- They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.
- They are having problems with interpersonal relationships. Talk therapy brings concrete results for many people. Research shows emotional and physical health are closely linked, and that therapy can improve a person's overall health.
Therapy can effectively decrease depression and anxiety, and related symptoms such as pain, fatigue and nausea. More than 80 percent of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body's immune system.
What happens on your first visit?
On your first visit, the mental health professional wants to get to know you and find out why you are interested in counseling. The therapist asks about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live and what you think the problem is. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment. Psychotherapy is an active collaboration between therapist and client. It isn't always easy. But people willing to work in close partnership with their therapist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
If you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, talk about your feelings at your next meeting. Don't be afraid to change to another therapist. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose and the style of therapy is important to the success of your treatment.
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External Sources
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National Institute of Mental Health
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National Mental Health Association
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American Psychological Association
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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