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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 for particular problems or issues. Engage in a conversation with a Geode therapist about your circumstances. They will 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 Chicago, IL (Lakeview)
Scott Kainovic, LPC
Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been providing therapy services for three years… View Scott Kainovic’s profile
Jillian Wood, LCSW
Therapist
My therapeutic stance is collaborative and adapted to the client and their individual needs and… View Jillian Wood’s profile
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In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Chicago, IL (Lakeview)
Unlike many mental healthcare companies that operate exclusively in the virtual realm, Geode Health establishes a physical presence in the communities we cater to. This arrangement allows us to personally monitor patients with intricate needs, guaranteeing the secure prescription of medications not available through other providers and granting access to cutting-edge treatments.
Furthermore, for enhanced convenience, we offer the choice to engage with 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 availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Therapy designed for children and adolescents is a distinct therapeutic approach focused on aiding young individuals in navigating emotional, behavioral, and developmental obstacles. This involves working alongside a skilled therapist who utilizes techniques suitable for their age to help them articulate thoughts and emotions, cultivate coping skills, and improve overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) serves as a psychotherapeutic approach that aids individuals in modifying negative thought processes and behavioral patterns that may be associated with mental health concerns. The focus lies in 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 studied therapeutic methods.
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 difficulties, 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 techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices in the context of psychotherapy. Originally designed to target borderline personality disorder (BPD), the approach has expanded to encompass a range of other conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT aims to empower individuals with skills for handling emotions, managing distress, and fostering healthier relationships. The broad acceptance of DBT has prompted certain educational institutions to incorporate 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
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Certainly, psychotherapy and talk therapy are synonymous terms in the realm of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally 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 technique where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with their patient as a fundamental aspect of their treatment plan.
It’s important to note that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize talking as the primary component – some individuals may prefer more innovative methods, such as art therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions using nonverbal techniques.
Although both psychotherapy and psychiatry are effective in managing mental illness, they exhibit significant differences.
A psychiatrist, as 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.
In contrast, psychotherapy emphasizes fostering communication between the patient and a trained professional to facilitate the development of skills necessary for identifying and managing emotional challenges. Psychotherapy focuses on internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In specific situations, your therapist may suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist while continuing psychotherapy to 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 objective of talk therapy is to bolster individuals’ capacity to manage and navigate the difficulties of life. Some psychotherapies concentrate on revealing and comprehending the origins of distress, fostering heightened self-awareness, offering more effective tools for handling stress and regulating emotions, and, in the end, contributing to an enhancement in mental well-being. On the contrary, alternate psychotherapies give precedence to altering behavioral patterns and nurturing coping skills. They operate under the conviction that altering behaviors will ultimately have 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 fundamental principle revolves 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 our patients receive top-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their individual needs.
Following 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.
Search available appointments near you
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