How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, comprises discussions with a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional concerns.
Specific types of talk therapy might yield better results for particular problems or issues. Engage with a Geode therapist regarding your situation. They will devise a personalized treatment plan tailored to your requirements. If this involves medication, they can smoothly refer you to one of the Geode psychiatric practitioners working within the same office.
Our therapists in Chicago, IL (Bronzeville)
Sean Paras, LCSW, CADC, CRSS
Therapist
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in supporting adults facing diverse challenges like… View Sean Paras’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Chicago, IL (Bronzeville)
Contrary to numerous “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies today, Geode Health is physically situated in the communities we serve. This physical presence enables us to personally monitor patients with complex needs, safely prescribe medications unavailable elsewhere, and provide access to the latest treatments.
Furthermore, for enhanced flexibility, we provide the option to connect with our providers online through secure video visits. Both in-person and virtual visit types are conveniently bookable and manageable online, with availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specialized therapeutic method aimed at aiding children and teenagers in managing emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns. This approach entails collaboration with a trained therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to facilitate the expression of thoughts and emotions, foster the development of coping skills, and enhance overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) stands as a psychotherapeutic method aiding individuals in reshaping their negative thinking and behavior patterns that might be connected to mental health issues. Its core principles lie in recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, crafting coping strategies, and establishing and attaining goals to enhance mental health and overall well-being. Globally, CBT is renowned as one of the most extensively researched therapy forms.
Couples therapy, within the realm of psychotherapy, aims to aid couples in enhancing their communication, resolving conflicts, and reinforcing their relationship. It entails a trained therapist collaborating with both partners to identify and tackle issues like infidelity, health-related concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, all aimed at improving the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with mindfulness in psychotherapy. Initially devised for borderline personality disorder (BPD) treatment, it has expanded to address various conditions: eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT equips individuals with skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and enhance relationships. Its popularity has led to schools incorporating DBT skills to support emotional well-being among adolescents and young adults.
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, psychotherapy and talk therapy both encompass the same mental health treatment approach.
Psychotherapy is generally recognized as a form of psychological treatment or psychological 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. Similarly, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic practice where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in conversation with their patient as part of the treatment plan.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize talking as the primary component – some individuals prefer alternative, more creative approaches, such as art therapy, where patients explore their emotions using nonverbal methods instead.
While psychotherapy and psychiatry can both be effective in managing mental illness, they differ significantly.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness using medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be prescribed to address symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy focuses on fostering communication between the patient and a trained professional to help individuals develop the skills necessary for recognizing and managing emotional challenges. Psychotherapy centers on internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In some instances, your therapist may suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist alongside ongoing psychotherapy to address both the symptoms and root 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 central aim of talk therapy is to aid individuals in enhancing their ability to cope with and manage life’s challenges. Certain psychotherapies are directed towards identifying and gaining insight into the roots of distress. This process can foster a deeper understanding of oneself, the acquisition of more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately, an improvement in mental health. On the other hand, alternative psychotherapies concentrate on changing behavioral patterns and building coping skills, with the belief that such changes will ultimately lead to improvements in thoughts and feelings.
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 is centered around a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We provide a diverse range of psychiatry and psychotherapy services, all conveniently offered under one roof, ensuring that our patients have easy access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their individual needs.
After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is well-prepared to offer further guidance on the most suitable treatment plan for your specific circumstances. Many patients find that a combination of medication management from a psychiatric specialist, along with ongoing psychotherapy, leads to the best outcomes, while others may prefer one type of treatment over the other. Ultimately, the decision to see a therapist or psychiatrist is dependent on your personal goals and unique 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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