How Therapy Actually Works and How it Can Help
Seeking therapy is an individual choice, with patients choosing to come for many different reasons. Sometimes, they need help to deal with long-standing psychological issues or dealing with changes in anxiety disorders or depression. Other times, it’s to ask for help dealing with a divorce or other stressful transition. Working with a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist or other mental health professional can help provide much-needed insight, support and strategies for all types of challenges a patient may face. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of life, taking responsibility and creating greater self-awareness.
How Therapy Actually Works
Every therapy session is unique and crafted around each individual patient’s needs and goals. It’s common to discuss with each patient what their goal for therapy is and then to discuss a plan that works for both patient and therapist. This could mean weekly, hour-long sessions, a medication plan or other types of therapies that may benefit the patient. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on the needs of the patients. Short-term therapy typically will only address specific issues while long-term therapy will focus more on personal growth of tackling larger, more complex issues. Patients may leave therapy with “homework” to do that will benefit them during their next therapy session. This could include reading a relevant book or article, keeping records of day-to-day activities, or practicing certain techniques during times of stress. However, for therapy to work, the patient must be an active participant during and between sessions.
How Therapy Can Help
There’s a number of benefits to participating in therapy. Patients can explore their issues and concerns in a supportive environment while learning different problem-solving skills and coping strategies for depression, anxiety, grief, stress management and more. Speaking with a therapist can help patients find a new perspective on a difficult problem or point patients in the direction of a possible solution. When a patient undergoes therapy, they may:
- Attain a better understanding of themselves
- Find resolutions to issues or concerns that led them to therapy
- Change old behavior patterns and develop new ones
- Improve their self-esteem and boost self-confidence
Some patients continue to go through therapy on an ongoing basis. That’s okay, especially patients who need a strong support system for the issues they’re facing. Ideally, the patient will develop outside sources of support– though it’s not always possible.
How We Can Help You?
Best Day Psychiatry and Counseling is here to help you have a better day and find a better way. We treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions for both children and adults. Contact us today, we’re ready to help:
Fayatteville: (910) 323-1543 • Fuquay-Varina: (919) 567-0684 • Raleigh: (919) 670-3939