Saturday, January 4, 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.

Some psychotherapists use nonverbal communication methods to create more intense channels between themselves and clients who have difficulties concerning verbal expression. In the majority of clinical practices, the basic plan focuses on 2 kinds of therapy, which are psychodynamics and cognitive behavioral techniques.

Reputable therapists with the appropriate skills typically aim to evaluate the psychological issues of their clients and tailor the therapy to those needs. They understand that subconscious resistance must be broken down in order for the patient to experience the full benefits of the therapy. When the client learns to change his or her behaviors and thought patterns, he or she can work on becoming whole.

Psychotherapy addresses a broad range of emotional conditions and mental illnesses. These include bipolar disorder, panic attacks, irrational fears and phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress syndrome, depression, and schizophrenia. Treatment of this kind may also benefit those diagnosed with a condition called borderline personality disorder.

Understanding that more than one session will be necessary is essential. To experience initial benefits from such treatment, one must typically attend a minimum of 12 sessions. This is because it is necessary for a person to open up to the therapist in order for positive changes to be experienced, and this is unlikely to happen after a solitary session.

Even though there is no exact time frame associated with such treatment, 20 sessions are usually needed before major beneficial results are realized. If no noticeable change occurs after that many sessions, other alternatives should be considered. The latter may include extensive behavioral therapy programs or the use of drugs. Most practitioners will make additional recommendations if conventional techniques do not offer satisfactory results.

The facet of psychotherapy that focuses on behavior and habits frequently calls for the patient to participate in exercises, both at home between sessions and in the office of the practitioner. Examples of such exercises are relaxing activities such as breathing techniques or visualization. Emotional disorders must be faced a little at a time in order to help the patient to gain freedom from the issues that are interfering with his or her ability to live a positive, happy life.

When the patient starts feeling more balanced and positive with regard to his or her life, the psychotherapist will likely recommend that the appointments commence. This, of course, will vary substantially from one person to another based on each client's individual circumstances. In the future, if the person experiences a relapse, a few treatment sessions are generally helpful in order to get him or her back on track. Those feeling beset by mental or emotional issues are wise to pursue professional help immediately.




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