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How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, commonly 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.
Specific types of talk therapy may be more effective than others for particular 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 Buffalo Grove, IL
April Lococo, LCPC, LPC, CADC
Therapist
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with 10 years of post-master’s degree diverse clinical… View April Lococo’s profile
Jacqueline Machamer, LCSW
Therapist
I have a specialized interest in working with trauma and anxiety and have been trained… View Jacqueline Machamer’s profile
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In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Buffalo Grove, IL
Unlike many mental healthcare companies that operate exclusively in the virtual space, Geode Health establishes a physical presence within the communities we cater to. This arrangement allows us to personally monitor patients with intricate requirements, ensuring the secure prescription of medications that may not be offered by others, and granting access to cutting-edge treatments.
Moreover, for increased convenience, we offer the choice to engage with healthcare providers online through secure video visits. Booking and managing appointments for both in-person and virtual visits is straightforward and can be done online, with available slots within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Therapy for children and adolescents is a distinct therapeutic approach designed to help youngsters navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental hurdles. It involves partnering with a qualified therapist who utilizes techniques tailored to the individual’s age, aiding them in articulating their thoughts and emotions, nurturing coping abilities, and improving their overall well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) functions as a psychotherapeutic approach that aids individuals in modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with potential mental health concerns. The focus lies in recognizing and questioning pessimistic thoughts, fostering coping mechanisms, and setting and achieving goals to enhance mental well-being. Internationally, CBT is recognized as one of the most thoroughly researched therapeutic methodologies.
Couples therapy, a component of psychotherapy, seeks 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 challenges, or a lack of intimacy. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall health and happiness within the relationship through this joint effort.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) combines techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices in the context of psychotherapy. While its origins lie in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has expanded its scope to encompass a range of conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The primary goal of DBT is to equip individuals with skills for effectively managing emotions, handling distress, and fostering healthier relationships. The broad acceptance of DBT has prompted some educational institutions to incorporate its techniques, offering support to 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
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Certainly, psychotherapy and talk therapy are synonymous in their mental health treatment approach.
Psychotherapy is generally categorized as a form 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 technique where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with the patient as a fundamental aspect of their treatment plan.
It’s important to recognize that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize talking as the primary component – some individuals prefer more innovative methods, such as art therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions through nonverbal techniques.
While the management of mental illness can be effectively addressed through both psychotherapy and psychiatry, these two approaches exhibit significant differences.
A psychiatrist, being a medical doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness using 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 emphasizes 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 revolves around internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In certain situations, your therapist may suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist while continuing psychotherapy to comprehensively address both the symptoms and 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 boost individuals’ capacity to handle and navigate the challenges of life. Some psychotherapies concentrate on revealing and comprehending the origins of distress, fostering heightened self-awareness, offering more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, and, in the end, promoting enhanced mental health. In contrast, alternative psychotherapies prioritize altering behavioral patterns and developing coping skills, guided by the belief 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 is centered on adopting 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 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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