How to Find Help Through Psychotherapy
Millions of Americans have found relief from depression and other
emotional difficulties through psychotherapy. Even so, some
people find it hard to get started or stay in psychotherapy.
This brief question-and-answer guide provides some basic
information to help individuals take advantage of outpatient
(non-hospital) psychotherapy.
Why do people consider using psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional
such as a psychologist who is licensed and trained to help people
understand their feelings and assist them with changing their
behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
one-third of adults in the United States experience an emotional
or substance abuse problem. Nearly 25 percent of the adult population
suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.
People often consider psychotherapy, also known simply as therapy,
under the following circumstances:
- They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and
helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
- Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function
from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate
on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
- Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance,
they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
- They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members
or close friends.
What does research show about the effectiveness of psychotherapy?
Research suggests that therapy effectively decreases patients'
depression and anxiety and related symptoms- such as pain, fatigue
and nausea. Psychotherapy has also been found to increase survival
time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a
positive effect on the body's immune system. Research increasingly
supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very
closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall
health status.
There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least
several sessions of psychotherapy are far better off than untreated
individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study showed
that 50 percent of patients noticeably improved after eight sessions
while 75 percent of individuals in therapy improved by the end
of six months. Psychotherapy with children is similar in effectiveness
to psychotherapy with adults.
How do I find a qualified therapist?
Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter. A professional
who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice
for another person. There are several ways to get referrals to
qualified therapists, such as licensed psychologists, including
the following:
- Talk to close family members and friends for their recommendations,
especially if they have had a good experience with psychotherapy.
- Many
state psychological associations operate referral services
which put individuals in touch with licensed and competent
mental health providers. (Call the American Psychological
Association's consumer information line at 800-964-2000 to
be connected to the appropriate state organization.)
- Ask your
primary care physician (or other health professional) for
a referral. Tell the doctor what's important to you in choosing
a therapist so he or she can make appropriate suggestions.
- Inquire
at your church or synagogue.
- Look in the phone book for the
listing of a local mental health association or community
mental health center and check these sources for possible
referrals.
Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and
request the opportunity, either by phone or in person, to
ask the therapist some questions. You might want to inquire
about his or her licensure and level of training, approach
to psychotherapy, participation in insurance plans and fees.
Such a discussion should help you sort through your options
and choose someone with whom you believe you might interact
well.
If I begin psychotherapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?
There are many approaches to outpatient psychotherapy and
various formats in which it may occur, including individual,
group and family psychotherapy. Despite the variations, all
psychotherapy is a two-way process that works especially
well when patients and their therapists communicate openly.
Research has shown that the outcome of psychotherapy is improved
when the therapist and patient agree early about what the
major problems are and how psychotherapy can help.
You and your therapist both have responsibilities in establishing
and maintaining a good working relationship. Be clear with
your therapist about your expectations and share any concerns
that may arise. Psychotherapy works best when you attend
all scheduled sessions and give some forethought to what
you want to discuss during each one.
How can I evaluate whether therapy is working well?
As you begin psychotherapy, you should establish clear goals
with your therapist. Perhaps you want to overcome feelings
of hopelessness associated with depression. Or maybe you
would like to control a fear that disrupts your daily life.
Keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish
than others. You may need to adjust some of your goals depending
on how long you plan to be in psychotherapy.
After a few sessions, it's a good sign if you feel the experience
is truly a joint effort and that you and the therapist enjoy
a good rapport. On the other hand, you should be open with
your therapist if you find yourself feeling "stuck" or
lacking direction once you've been in psychotherapy awhile.
There may be times when a therapist appears cold and uninterested
or doesn't seem to regard you positively. Tell your therapist
if this is the situation, or if you question other aspects
of his or her approach. If you find yourself thinking about
discontinuing psychotherapy, talk with your therapist. It
might be helpful to consult another professional, provided
you let your therapist know you are seeking a second opinion.
Patients often feel a wide range of emotions during psychotherapy.
Some qualms about psychotherapy that people may have result
from the difficulty of discussing painful and troubling experiences.
When this happens, it can actually be a positive sign indicating
that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behaviors.
You should spend time with your therapist periodically reviewing
your progress (or your concern that you are not making sufficient
headway). Although there are other considerations affecting
the duration of psychotherapy, success in reaching your primary
goals should be a major factor in deciding when your psychotherapy
should end.
Psychotherapy isn't easy, but patients who are willing to
work in close partnership with their therapists often find
relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more
productive and fulfilling lives.
Article reprinted courtesy of the American Psychological Association
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