What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in understanding how medications for mood disorders interact with the body and other medications you may be taking. Some psychiatrists may provide occasional therapy but they primarily provide medication. Psychotherapist are doctors who specialize in understanding mental health. They provide counseling and do not prescribe medication.
Should I take medication or go into psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Work with your medical doctor to determine what’s best for you. In most cases, a combination of both medication and therapy is the right course of action.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
On the contrary. People who ask for help know they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason, isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming, making it difficult to utilize your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what
those strengths, build new ones, and how to implement them again to what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others knowing your business. However, friends and family are crucial support while in therapy. They can be your sounding board as you learn new skills and insights about yourself.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Each person has different issues and goals for therapy. Therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and discuss progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy
session.
How long will it take?
Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular weekly sessions initially, and then space them out as you see progress. It’s important to remember that you didn’t get here overnight, and it
may take some time to see progress initially. We will check in periodically to assess if you feel you are meeting your therapy goals.
If I commit to therapy, what can I expect? How can I get the most out of therapy?
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you take what you learn in sessions back into your life. Be receptive to homework. I will suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your progress – such as practicing relaxation skills, journaling on a specific topic, reading a pertinent book, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.
