PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy  is a process in which vast variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties are treated . Psychotherapy reduces troubling symptoms so a person can do better and can increase well-being .

Psychotherapy helps in problems  including  difficulties in coping with daily life trauma, medical illness, like the death of  loved one and specific mental disorders like depression or anxiety. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some work better with certain problems . Psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication.

Therapy Sessions

Therapy may be conducted in an individual, family, couple, or group setting, and can help both children and adults. Both patient and therapist need to be actively involved in psychotherapy. The trust and relationship between a person and his/her therapist is essential to working together effectively.

Psychotherapy can be short-term , dealing with immediate issues, or long-term, dealing with longstanding and complex issues. 

The goals of treatment and arrangements for how often and how long to meet are planned by the patient and therapist.

Confidentiality is a basic requirement of psychotherapy. Patients share personal feelings and thoughts.

Psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication to treat psychiatric conditions. Medication may be useful and in others psychotherapy may be the best. For people combined medication and psychotherapy treatment is better than either alone. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep, is important in supporting recovery and overall wellness.

Patient who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are  able to function in their lives.  Psychotherapy improves emotions and behaviors . The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction.

We can see changes in the brain after a person has undergone psychotherapy. The brain changes resulting from psychotherapy were similar to changes resulting from medication. 

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. Follow through with any assignments between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what you’ve talked about.

Types of Psychotherapy

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use several types of therapy. The choice of therapy type depends on the patient’s particular illness and circumstances and his/her preference. Therapists may combine elements to best meet the needs of the person receiving treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

 It helps people identify and change thinking and behavior patterns that are harmful or ineffective, replacing them with more accurate thoughts and functional behaviors. It can help a person focus on current problems and how to solve them. It often involves practicing new skills in the “real world.”

CBT can be helpful in treating a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, and eating disorders. For example, CBT can help a person with depression recognize and change negative thought patterns or behaviors that are contributing to the depression.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

It is a short-term form of treatment. It helps patients understand underlying interpersonal issues that are troublesome, like unresolved grief, changes in social or work roles, conflicts with significant others, and problems relating to others. It can help people learn healthy ways to express emotions and ways to improve communication and how they relate to others. It is most often used to treat depression.

Dialectical behavior therapy 

It is a specific type of CBT that helps regulate emotions. It is often used to treat people with chronic suicidal thoughts and people with borderline personality disorder, eating disorders and PTSD. It teaches new skills to help people take personal responsibility to change unhealthy or disruptive behavior. It involves both individual and group therapy.

Psychodynamic therapy

 is based on the idea that behavior and mental well-being are influenced by childhood experiences and inappropriate repetitive thoughts or feelings that are unconscious (outside of the person’s awareness). A person works with the therapist to improve self-awareness and to change old patterns so he/she can more fully take charge of his/her life.

Psychoanalysis 

is a more intensive form of psychodynamic therapy. Sessions are typically conducted three or more times a week.

Supportive therapy 

It uses guidance and encouragement to help patients develop their own resources. It helps build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, strengthen coping mechanisms, and improve social and community functioning. Supportive psychotherapy helps patients deal with issues related to their mental health conditions which in turn affect the rest of their lives.