How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, commonly referred to as talk therapy, revolves around engaging in conversations with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to tackle mental or emotional issues.
Different forms of talk therapy might demonstrate varying degrees of effectiveness for particular problems or concerns. Initiate a conversation with a Geode therapist regarding your situation. They will create a customized treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs. Should medication be part of the plan, they can easily connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric specialists located in the same office.
Our therapists in Barrington, IL
Debbie Chirikos, LCSW
Therapist
As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring four decades of experience and a wealth… View Debbie Chirikos’s profile
Afsheen Zuberi, LCSW
Therapist
I specialize in assisting clients with life challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues and… View Afsheen Zuberi’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Barrington, IL
Unlike many mental healthcare companies that operate exclusively in the virtual realm, Geode Health distinguishes itself by establishing a physical presence within the communities we cater to. This arrangement allows us to personally monitor patients with intricate requirements, guaranteeing the secure prescription of medications that may be unavailable elsewhere and offering access to cutting-edge treatments.
Moreover, to enhance flexibility, we offer the choice to engage with providers through secure video visits online. Booking and managing appointments for both in-person and virtual visits is straightforward and can be done online, with availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy involves a targeted approach to therapy designed to assist children and teenagers in navigating emotional, behavioral, and developmental obstacles. It entails working closely with a qualified therapist who utilizes techniques suitable for their age to help them articulate their thoughts and emotions. The goal is to nurture coping skills and improve their overall well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) serves as a psychotherapeutic approach that aids individuals in transforming negative thought processes and behavior patterns that may be associated with mental health challenges. The focus is on recognizing and questioning pessimistic thoughts, developing effective coping mechanisms, and setting and achieving goals to enhance mental well-being and overall health. Internationally, CBT remains one of the most thoroughly investigated therapeutic methodologies.
Couples therapy, a subset of psychotherapy, strives to assist couples in improving their communication, addressing conflicts, and strengthening their relationship. This cooperative approach entails a proficient therapist collaborating with both partners to identify and address issues such as infidelity, health issues, financial struggles, or a lack of intimacy, all with the overarching goal of promoting the overall health and happiness within the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) combines the strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness exercises in the context of psychotherapy. Originally designed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has expanded its scope to encompass a range of other conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT supports the development of skills to effectively navigate emotions, manage distress, and cultivate healthier relationships. The broad acceptance of DBT has led to its incorporation into some educational settings, where schools are utilizing DBT techniques to assist adolescents and young adults in improving their emotional well-being.
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a trained therapist leads a group of people who are experiencing similar mental health issues or life challenges. The therapy sessions are designed to provide support, guidance, and feedback to group members, as they share their experiences and learn from each other. Group psychotherapy can be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a type of brief intervention therapy that helps individuals increase their motivation to change their behavior. It is often used in the treatment of addiction and involves a collaborative and non-confrontational approach to help individuals explore their conflicting feelings and establish a personalized plan for behavior change.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences that may be impacting a person’s current behavior and relationships. The therapy aims to help individuals gain insight into their patterns of behavior and emotions, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and psychological growth.
Supportive psychotherapy is a type of therapy that aims to provide emotional support and practical guidance to individuals who are experiencing a range of mental health problems. It is based on the principles of empathy, validation, and positive reinforcement, and is designed to help individuals cope with their symptoms, build self-esteem, and develop coping strategies in a safe environment.
Frequently asked questions about talk therapy
Certainly, psychotherapy and talk therapy are synonymous terms within the realm of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally categorized as a psychological treatment or counseling method that utilizes verbal communication and various activities to evaluate an individual’s mental or emotional state. Its objective is to tackle negative emotional or behavioral patterns. In a similar vein, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic approach wherein the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with the patient as a fundamental aspect of the treatment plan.
It’s important to recognize that not all forms of psychotherapy emphasize talking as the primary component. Some individuals may prefer more innovative methods, such as art therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions through nonverbal techniques.
While psychotherapy and psychiatry are both effective in managing mental illness, they exhibit significant differences.
A psychiatrist, as a medical doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness through the use of medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
In contrast, psychotherapy concentrates on fostering communication between the patient and a trained professional to facilitate the development of skills necessary for identifying and managing emotional challenges. The focus of psychotherapy lies in internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In certain situations, your therapist might recommend collaborating with a psychiatrist while continuing psychotherapy to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your mental health condition.
Psychotherapy treats a variety of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Depression
- Addiction, substance use, and alcohol use disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Relationship problems
- Stress-related issues
- Trauma-related issues and PTSD
The primary goal of talk therapy is to bolster individuals’ capacity to deal with and navigate the challenges of life. Specific psychotherapies concentrate on revealing and comprehending the origins of distress, fostering heightened self-awareness, equipping individuals with more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, ultimately playing a role in enhancing mental well-being. Conversely, alternative psychotherapies give precedence to altering behavioral patterns and nurturing coping skills. They operate on the premise that modifying behaviors will ultimately exert a positive influence on thoughts and emotions.
Research shows that psychotherapy can be an effective form of treatment for many mental health issues. Psychotherapy can help you identify the underlying causes of your struggles and develop tools for managing distress.
Additionally, therapy can provide a safe space for you to talk about your anxieties, fears, thoughts, and experiences and get support from an objective mental health professional.
At Geode Health, we uphold a fundamental principle centered on embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. Conveniently located under one roof, we provide an extensive array of psychiatry and psychotherapy services to ensure that our patients receive high-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their individual needs.
Following your initial assessment, your Geode provider is well-prepared to offer further guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific circumstances. Many patients find that optimal results are achieved through a combination of medication management by a psychiatric specialist along with ongoing psychotherapy. However, some individuals may have a preference for one treatment method over the other. Ultimately, the decision to engage with a therapist or psychiatrist depends on your personal goals and distinct needs.
Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of medications to treat mental health conditions. Common types of medication prescribed by psychiatrists include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications. Your psychiatrist may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise or dietary modifications to help manage symptoms, as well as non-medical treatments like talk therapy.
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