Wednesday, January 8, 2014

A Psychotherapist Offers Helpful Treatment Options

By Harriett Crosby


Patients suffering from specific emotional or mental conditions can be cured or taught to effectively manage their lives when the services of a psychotherapist are sought. The primary objective of such a practitioner is to assist individuals suffering from disorders of this type to live happy lives. Such therapy generally involves supporting the client and helping him or her to reach a balanced and positive state of mind. Sessions of this type typically revolve around counseling and behavioral therapy, with a primary focus on the proficient communication of ideas and feelings.

Certain psychotherapists use nonverbal communication techniques to develop a good professional relationship between themselves and their patients who have poor verbal communication skills. With most practices, cognitive behavior techniques and psycho-dynamics are the two primary therapies offered.

Qualified practitioners who possess the necessary skills usually aim to evaluate their clients' psychological issues and tailor their plan of care to those needs. They realize that if the patient is to benefit from the therapy, subconscious resistance must be eliminated. When the patient learns to change his or her thought patterns and behavior, he or she can actively work toward recovery.

Psychotherapy addresses a variety of mental illnesses and emotional disorders. These include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and irrational fears, post traumatic stress syndrome, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Therapy of this type may also be helpful for individuals diagnosed with something called borderline personality disorder.

It is important for patients to realize that a solitary session is not sufficient to resolve all their problems. In order to fully benefit from psychotherapy, a minimum of 12 sessions are typically required. This is due to the fact that the client must open up to the therapist if anything is to change, and this does not usually happen during the first or second visit.

Although there is no specific time frame associated with such therapy, twenty sessions are generally necessary prior to the treatment offering major beneficial results. If there is no notable change by that time, other options should be pursued. The latter may include the use of medication or extensive behavioral therapy programs. Most therapists will make further recommendations if traditional methods do not provide satisfactory results.

The part of psychotherapy that addresses habits and behavior often calls for the client to complete exercises, both in the professional's office and at his or her own dwelling in between sessions. These exercises may involve visualization, breathing techniques, and other relaxing activities. Emotional problems must be faced gradually in order to enable the person to gain freedom from the elements that are prohibiting him or her from living a happy, positive life.

When the patient starts to feel better and more positive about his or her life, the psychotherapist will typically recommend that the sessions commence. How and when this is done will vary substantially from one individual to the next. If a relapse occurs in the future, a short series of therapy sessions is usually helpful with regard to getting the patient back on track. Those who feel overwhelmed by mental or emotional problems should seek therapy as soon as possible.




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