How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, revolves around discussions 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 be more effective for specific problems or issues. Engage in a conversation with a Geode therapist about your circumstances. They will develop 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 Bolingbrook, IL
Corrin Scavo, Psy.D
Therapist
I’m a psychologist with 16 years of experience providing mental health services in outpatient and… View Corrin Scavo’s profile
Lisa Valiente, LCSW
Therapist
I approach therapy as “expert companionship,” guiding people toward healing and personal growth, where they… View Lisa Valiente’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Bolingbrook, IL
Differing from the multitude of mental healthcare companies that operate solely in the virtual realm today, Geode Health strategically situates itself within the communities it serves. This configuration allows us to carry out in-person monitoring of patients with intricate needs, ensuring the secure prescription of medications not available through others and facilitating access to cutting-edge treatments.
Moreover, for enhanced flexibility, we offer the choice to engage with providers online through secure video visits. Booking and managing appointments for both in-person and online visits are 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 specialized approach to therapy designed to aid children and teenagers in navigating emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It entails working in partnership with a skilled therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to help children and adolescents articulate their thoughts and emotions, develop coping skills, and improve their overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) serves as a psychotherapeutic technique designed to aid individuals in transforming their negative thought processes and behavioral patterns that may be associated with mental health concerns. Its focus lies in the recognition and questioning of negative thoughts, fostering coping mechanisms, and setting and achieving goals to enhance mental health and overall well-being. On a global scale, CBT remains one of the most thoroughly studied therapeutic methodologies.
Couples therapy, a branch of psychotherapy, seeks to assist couples in improving their communication, resolving 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 challenges, or a lack of intimacy. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall well-being and happiness within the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) combines the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices in the context of psychotherapy. While it was initially designed to target borderline personality disorder (BPD), its scope has expanded to encompass a range of other conditions such as eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT is instrumental in fostering the development of skills for effectively managing emotions, handling distress, and cultivating healthier relationships. The broad acceptance of DBT has prompted certain educational institutions to incorporate its techniques, assisting 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 commonly 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, with the goal of addressing negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Similarly, talk therapy encompasses any therapeutic approach where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with their patient as a foundational element of their treatment plan.
It’s important to recognize that not all forms of psychotherapy emphasize talking as the primary component – some individuals may prefer alternative methods, such as art therapy, which allows patients to explore their emotions through nonverbal techniques.
While both psychotherapy and psychiatry are effective in managing mental illness, they diverge significantly in their approaches.
A psychiatrist, being 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 employed to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
On the flip side, psychotherapy centers 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 alongside 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 primary goal of talk therapy is to bolster individuals’ capacity to confront and navigate the difficulties that life presents. Some psychotherapies center on revealing and comprehending the origins of distress, nurturing heightened self-awareness, offering more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, all with the overarching aim of advancing mental well-being. On the flip side, alternative psychotherapies prioritize the alteration of behavioral patterns and the cultivation of coping skills. These approaches operate under 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, our guiding principle centers on 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 our patients receive top-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their individual needs.
After your initial assessment, 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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