Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, or just "out-of-control?" If so, you are not alone.
According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Mental Health, an estimated 22.1% of American adults experience some type of emotional or mental problem in any given year. And just like many physical ailments, these types of disorders are usually highly treatable through therapy.
Whether you are coping with a life transition, depression , loss, general anxiety , or more serious conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder , chances are good that therapy can help.
What Kind of Therapy Should You Seek?
There are two primary types of therapy: medication and talk.
Medication Therapy
Medications are used for certain psychological conditions caused by a biochemical imbalance, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Medication can only be prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist, and is generally used in conjunction with talk therapy, so that psychological issues and biochemical problems may be treated simultaneously.
Talk Therapies
Talk therapies, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, treat psychological or emotional problems through verbal communication. Although they are based on sophisticated psychological theories, talk therapies also fulfill a very basic human need to share problems and connect with others.
"As society becomes more mobile, people seek counseling for issues that they might have confided to a neighbor, friend, or family member three generations ago," notes Mary Guindon, PhD, at Johns Hopkins University Counseling and Human Services Department. "Counseling is help for the everyday problems of living. It doesn't make the problem less painful, but it does help normalize it, so that clients are no longer coping in a vacuum." Some types of counseling may be better suited to your particular issues, as well as your personality, time, and budget. Listed below are some of the most common types; however, keep in mind that most therapists tend to use a combination of one or more approaches. Psychoanalysis : Developed by Sigmund Freud in the 1900s, and focuses on identifying repressed feelings and issues that influence current behavior. The process is complex and lengthy, and is less widely used today. Recommended for: Problems stemming from childhood conflict. Duration: 3-6 years Cognitive-behavioral Therapy : Focuses on examining and changing unhealthy thought processes that shape behavior patterns. Recommended for: Depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse. Duration: Average 15-25 sessions
Psychodynamic Therapy: Identifies and interprets unconscious feelings to bring about behavioral change. Recommended for: People with certain personality disorders or chronic mental disorders. Duration: May be as short as 25 sessions, or as long as several years Couples, Marital, and Family Therapy: Focuses on the interactions of a unit or system rather than individual members. This approach is based on the idea that the problems of an individual must be understood in the context of a larger system. Recommended for: Couples, families, children, or teens with emotional disorders or serious diseases, or experiencing traumatic events. Duration: Weeks to months Group Therapy: One of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy, group therapy works toward self-understanding, self-acceptance, and modification of the problem behavior. Recommended for: Adolescents and people who share similar diseases or disorders, such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, and eating disorders. Duration: May be brief or long-term
What You Should Know About Credentials Be aware of your therapist's licensing and credentials. The following is a brief summary of training: Psychiatrists medical doctors; the only type of therapist who can prescribe medication. Psychoanalysts have completed training at an analytic institute, although institutes may vary widely. Psychologists (PhD, PsyD) have about five years of graduate training in psychology, and usually an undergraduate degree in psychology. (Master's degree psychologists have two years of graduate work.) Licensed social workers (LICSW) have a Master's degree and two years of postgraduate training. Where to Find a Therapist Most of the time, you will choose a therapist affiliated with your health plan. You may also check with your doctor, other community mental health agencies, local colleges or universities, hospitals, and government social service agencies for therapy referrals. Questions to Ask Your New Therapist As a therapy client, there are standard practices and procedures that you should expect. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA), your therapist should be able to inform you of:
Their credentials and qualifications, as well as areas of expertiseThe purposes, goals, techniques, procedures, limitations, and potential risks and benefits associated with therapyMatters of confidentiality, privacy, and disclosure of informationFinancial arrangements prior to beginning the counseling relationship How Do You Know When You're Finished? For some, the answer is clear: when insurance stops paying for the sessions. But for those who are able to continue therapy to its natural conclusion, the termination of therapy is an important step. Some people are tempted to end therapy prematurely because they are reluctant to tackle difficult issues, or are fearful of becoming dependent. In general, "individuals who are ready to end therapy usually feel that they have made progress. They feel more confident, hopeful, accepting, and aware of their emotions and needs. It may be easier for them to get along with others, and to recognize and avoid pitfalls and self-defeating behavior," say Dianne Hales and Robert E. Hales in their book, Caring for the Mind. Ultimately, though, the progress and termination of therapy will be your own decision. RESOURCES: American Counseling Association
http://www.counseling.org Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon GeneralNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/ References: Caring for the Mind: The Comprehensive Guide to Mental Health . Bantam Books, 1995. Last reviewed February 2006 by Jill Landis, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS STORY
