How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, revolves around dialogues with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional concerns.
Certain types of talk therapy may demonstrate greater effectiveness for specific problems or issues. Engage in a discussion with a Geode therapist about your circumstances. They’ll formulate a personalized treatment plan tailored to your requirements. If this involves medication, they can readily connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric specialists in the same office.
Our therapists in Rockford, IL
Alexandra Lundsteen, LMFT, CADC
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing therapy services for 7 years in outpatient,… View Alexandra Lundsteen’s profile
Celinda Smith, LCPC
Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been providing therapy services for 3 years… View Celinda Smith’s profile
Sara Pottinger, LCPC, CCTP-II
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have been providing psychotherapy services for 15years…. View Sara Pottinger’s profile
Shannon Ferriter, LCSW
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing therapy services for 7… View Shannon Ferriter’s profile
Tessa Bailey, LCPC
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have been providing therapy services for 9… View Tessa Bailey’s profile
Sabrina Marlow, LCPC
Therapist
I specialize in utilizing evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-focused cognitive… View Sabrina Marlow’s profile
Andrea McCauley, LCSW
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing therapy services since 2008 in… View Andrea McCauley’s profile
Katherine Kellie Ojeda, LCPC
Therapist
I have collaborate with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, trauma relational issues, post-partum issues,… View Katherine Kellie Ojeda’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Rockford, IL
Diverging from the multitude of mental healthcare firms operating solely in the virtual realm, Geode Health distinguishes itself by establishing a physical presence within the communities we cater to. This configuration empowers us to engage in face-to-face monitoring of patients grappling with intricate requirements, thereby guaranteeing the secure prescription of medications unattainable by others and facilitating access to cutting-edge treatments.
Moreover, to enhance flexibility, we offer the alternative of connecting with providers through secure video visits. Booking and managing appointments for both in-person and online visits is straightforward and can be accomplished online, with availability within a week or less for both types of visits.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Therapy tailored for children and adolescents is a specialized approach designed to help young individuals navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental hurdles. This form of therapy involves working closely with a skilled therapist who utilizes techniques suitable for the age group, facilitating the expression of thoughts and feelings, nurturing coping skills, and improving overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) functions as a psychotherapeutic technique designed to help individuals modify their negative thought processes and behavioral patterns that may be associated with mental health concerns. Its focus lies in the recognition and questioning of pessimistic thoughts, the development of coping mechanisms, and the setting and achievement of objectives aimed at enhancing mental well-being and overall health. On a global scale, CBT remains one of the most thoroughly researched therapeutic methodologies.
Couples therapy, as a branch of psychotherapy, seeks to support couples in improving their communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening their relationship. This cooperative approach entails a proficient therapist partnering with both individuals to identify and address issues such as infidelity, health issues, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall health and happiness within the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) blends mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques in the context of psychotherapy. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), its scope has expanded to encompass a range of conditions including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT supports the development of skills to handle emotions, distress, and foster healthier relationships. The broad acceptance of DBT has resulted in certain educational institutions incorporating its 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, both psychotherapy and talk therapy share the same foundational approach to mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is typically categorized as a type of psychological treatment or counseling that utilizes verbal communication and various activities to evaluate an individual’s mental or emotional state. Its goal is to address negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Likewise, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic technique where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with their patient as a fundamental element of their treatment plan.
It’s essential 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, which allows patients to explore their emotions using nonverbal techniques.
While effectively managing mental illness, psychotherapy and psychiatry 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.
Conversely, psychotherapy concentrates on nurturing communication between the patient and a trained professional to facilitate the development of skills required for identifying and managing emotional challenges. Psychotherapy is centered on internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In specific situations, your therapist might suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist in conjunction with ongoing 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 objective of talk therapy is to empower individuals in coping with and navigating life’s challenges. Some psychotherapies concentrate on revealing and comprehending the roots of distress, fostering heightened self-awareness, equipping individuals with more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, ultimately leading to enhanced mental well-being. On the flip side, alternate psychotherapies prioritize the alteration of behavioral patterns and the development of coping skills. They operate on the premise that modifying behaviors will ultimately have a positive impact 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, our fundamental principle centers around embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We provide an extensive range of psychiatry and psychotherapy services, all conveniently available under one roof, ensuring that our patients receive top-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their individual needs.
After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is equipped to offer further guidance on the most suitable treatment plan for your specific circumstances. Many patients discover that a combination of medication management by a psychiatric specialist, along with ongoing psychotherapy, yields the best results. However, some individuals may prefer 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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