Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy involves the treatment of a mental or emotional disorder through the use of psychological techniques designed to encourage insight and communication in order to relieve symptoms and change behavior in hopes of improving your personal and professional life. Therapy also involves developing a personal relationship that requires your active participation with the goal of creating a safe and trusting environment where you can explore complex and difficult life issues. Cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies are two specific forms of psychotherapy.

Are people who seek out therapy better off?

Studies show that psychotherapy helps people who are suffering to feel better. According to Tamara Kaiser, author of A User's Guide To Therapy, more than 60 years of research on psychotherapy, including studies on many approaches to therapy, show that therapy works. She goes on to say that people who go to therapy to get help with their problems are, in fact, generally better off than those who don't.

Can psychodynamic psychotherapy help me?

Clients who receive psychodynamic therapy maintain therapeutic gains and appear to continue to improve after treatment ends as noted by Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D., in his journal article, The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, February-March 2010 in the American Psychologist. Dr. Shedler goes on to report that for many people, psychodynamic psychotherapy may foster inner resources and capacities that allow richer, freer, and more fulfilling lives. Dr Shedler has written and contributed to many articles on psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Can cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy help me?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective with people who are suffering with anxiety and depression. It has helped people change their negative styles of thinking and behaving. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, many studies have shown that CBT is a particularly effective treatment with minor and moderate depression through the use of restructuring negative thought patterns. CBT can help people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way.

Can the combination of medication and psychotherapy benefit me?

Many experts report benefits from the combination of psychotherapy and medication when appropriate. Medication for some people can provide relief from debilitating symptoms. This relief often provides people the opportunity to be more productive in therapy because – with their symptoms better managed – they can focus on other aspects of their lives. For example, you may feel so anxious and worried that you cannot sleep at night. This anxiety combined with sleep deprivation may impair your thinking. Receiving the right medication can help you think more clearly and allow you to better examine other parts of your life.

What are some of the results of psychotherapy?

Helps people feel better about themselves
Teaches healthy ways to cope with stress
Improves communication skills
Enhances relationships in your life
Provides techniques for managing feelings and learn healthy strategies
Teaches people how to identify their feelings