How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, centers on conversing with a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional concerns.
Certain types of talk therapy may be more effective than others for specific problems or issues. Engage in a discussion with a Geode therapist about your circumstances. They’ll devise 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 Aurora, IL
Matthew Caston, LCPC, C-DBT
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 7 years in… View Matthew Caston’s profile
Lauryn Lewis, LPC
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 2 years in… View Lauryn Lewis’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Aurora, IL
In contrast to numerous “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies today, Geode Health positions itself physically within the communities we serve. This setup enables us to conduct in-person monitoring of patients with complex needs, ensuring the safe prescription of medications that others cannot provide, and providing access to the latest treatments.
Additionally, for added flexibility, we extend the option to connect with providers online through secure video visits. Both visit types are simple to book and manage online, with availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specialized form of therapy aimed at supporting children and teenagers in managing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It encompasses collaboration with a trained therapist who employs age-appropriate techniques to assist children and adolescents in expressing their thoughts and feelings, fostering coping skills, and enhancing their overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic method assisting individuals in altering their negative thinking and behavior patterns potentially linked to mental health issues. It centers on identifying and challenging negative thoughts, cultivating coping strategies, and establishing and attaining goals for improved mental health and overall well-being. Globally, CBT stands as one of the most extensively researched therapeutic approaches.
Couples therapy, a facet of psychotherapy, aims to aid couples in enhancing their communication, resolving conflicts, and bolstering their relationship. This collaborative process involves a skilled therapist working alongside both partners to recognize and tackle issues like infidelity, health concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, all with the ultimate objective of enhancing the overall health and happiness within the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with mindfulness practices within psychotherapy. Initially focused on borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has evolved to address various other conditions like eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT facilitates the acquisition of skills for managing emotions, distress, and nurturing healthier relationships. Its widespread appeal has led to some schools adopting DBT techniques to aid adolescents and young adults in enhancing 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
Yes, both psychotherapy and talk therapy are synonymous terms in mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally classified as a type of psychological treatment or counseling that relies on verbal communication and various activities to assess an individual’s mental or emotional state, aiming to address negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Likewise, talk therapy encompasses any therapeutic approach where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with their patient as a core part of the treatment plan.
It’s important to recognize that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize verbal communication as the primary method – some individuals favor alternative, more innovative approaches like art therapy, allowing patients to explore emotions through nonverbal means.
While both psychotherapy and psychiatry can effectively manage mental illness, they differ significantly.
A psychiatrist, being a medical doctor, specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness primarily using medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy centers around communication between the patient and a trained professional to cultivate skills for identifying and managing emotional challenges. This approach targets internal thought processes, emotions, and behaviors.
In certain instances, your therapist may suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist alongside ongoing 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 aim of talk therapy is to aid individuals in enhancing their ability to cope with and navigate life’s challenges. Certain psychotherapies are directed at identifying and gaining insight into the origins of distress. This process can foster a deeper self-understanding, equip individuals with more effective tools for handling stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately contribute to an improved state of mental health. Conversely, other psychotherapies prioritize the modification of behavioral patterns and the cultivation of coping skills, operating under the belief that altering behaviors will ultimately enhance one’s 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 core belief 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. Our primary goal is to ensure that our patients have easy access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their specific needs.
After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is well-prepared to offer further guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique situation. Many patients find that a combination of medication management from a psychiatric specialist, coupled with ongoing psychotherapy, yields the most favorable outcomes. However, we understand that preferences and requirements can vary. Some individuals may lean towards one type of treatment over the other. Ultimately, the choice to consult 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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