::: Does Therapy Help? :::
Have you wondered if therapy really helps people to address difficulties in their lives so they live a higher quality of life? If so, according to the controlled studies conducted by Consumer Reports; psychotherapy does make a difference. How does it make a difference?
People got better in three distinctive ways;
1) Therapy eases the problems that brought people initially for treatment
2) Therapy helps people to function better; improving how you relate to others, be more productive at work and to cope with everyday stress
3) Therapy increases self-esteem, confidence and personal growth. This enables people to enjoy their life more.
According Consumer Reports more than 50 million American adults suffer from a mental or addictive disorder but a government survey showed fewer than one-third of them get professional help. That’s a shame. That means millions of Americans who could ease their problems and benefit from therapy never give it a try!
How do you know the difference between a good therapist and a not so good therapist?
Signs of a good therapist (Prevention magazine) are:
- someone you admire and respect
- adheres to the code of ethics and has safe and secure boundaries
- takes a vague complaint or problem and helps formulate the definition of the problem and then sets goals for therapy
- gives you hope and empowers you
- uses a variety of different tools to cater to your specific goal
- gently but surely encourages you to take initiative and provides useful feedback
- has the appropriate educational and professional training and experience.
They may use several different techniques such as psychoanalysis where patients explore and confront troubling childhood experiences. Psychodynamic therapy discovers unconscious conflicts and defense mechanisms that hinder adult behavior. Interpersonal therapy is to enhance relationships and communication skills. Cognitive therapy helps people recognize and change distorted ways of thinking. And behavioral therapy replaces harmful behaviors with useful ones.
Marriage and family therapists hold a Masters degree or a doctoral level degree with an emphasis on psychotherapy and counseling.
Marriage and family therapists are the only mental health professionals who by law complete mandatory coursework in counseling and psychotherapy. Marriage and family therapists are relationship experts who are trained to treat individuals, couples, families , and groups.
The other types of mental health professionals are:
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I provide my services to the highest ethical standards and my relationships with my clients are strictly confidential. As such, I must inform you that the information provided in this Website is offered for informational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute professional advice. Replies to e-mail messages will be general in nature and will not form a therapist-client relationship. Be aware that the confidentiality of information sent over the Internet, including e-mail, may not be legally or otherwise protected or secure.