
How talk therapy works
Talk therapy, sometimes known as psychotherapy, involves engaging in conversations with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional issues.
Certain problems or concerns may benefit more from specific types of talk therapy. It is advisable to consult with a Geode therapist regarding your specific situation. They will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. If medication is part of the recommended treatment, they can easily refer you to one of the Geode psychiatric practitioners within the same office.
Our therapists in Gainesville, GA

Christian Williams
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 10 years in… View Christian Williams’s profile

Hailey Hooper, APC
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 2 years in… View Hailey Hooper’s profile

Patricia Wolf, MSW
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 3 years in… View Patricia Wolf’s profile

Shaughn Reyenga, LMSW
Therapist
I am a therapist and social worker with five years of experience in Inpatient mental… View Shaughn Reyenga’s profile

In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Gainesville, GA
In stark contrast to many of the “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies that are prevalent today, Geode Health maintains a physical presence within the communities we serve. This physical presence enables us to provide in-person monitoring for patients with complex needs, ensuring the safe prescription of medications that others cannot offer, while also granting access to the latest treatments.
For added flexibility, we also offer the option to connect with our healthcare providers through secure online video visits. Booking and managing appointments for both in-person and virtual visits is a straightforward online process, with availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a dedicated therapeutic approach designed to assist children and teenagers in addressing emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues. This method involves collaborating with a trained therapist who employs age-appropriate techniques to facilitate the expression of thoughts and emotions, foster the development of coping skills, and promote overall growth and well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach crafted to assist individuals in modifying their negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their mental health issues. The core of CBT revolves around the identification and confrontation of detrimental thought processes, the cultivation of effective coping strategies, and the establishment of goals to improve mental well-being. On a global scale, CBT is recognized as one of the most extensively studied therapeutic methods.
Couples therapy, a form of psychotherapy, is aimed at improving couples’ communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening their relationship. It entails a trained therapist collaborating with both partners to identify and tackle issues such as infidelity, health-related challenges, financial difficulties, or a lack of intimacy, all with the goal of enhancing the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Initially developed to address borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has since been adapted to treat a variety of other conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT equips individuals with the skills to better tolerate and regulate their emotions, effectively manage distress, and enhance their relationships with others. Its popularity is such that certain educational institutions have started incorporating DBT skills to help adolescents and young adults improve 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, psychotherapy and talk therapy both refer to the same type of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally regarded 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 in order to address negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Similarly, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic practice in which the clinician, often known as a psychotherapist, engages in conversation with their patient as a central component of their treatment plan.
It’s important to note that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize talking as the primary element – some people 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 have distinct approaches.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness using medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are employed to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
On the other hand, psychotherapy focuses on promoting communication between the patient and a trained professional to help individuals develop the skills needed to identify and manage emotional challenges. Psychotherapy places emphasis on internal thought processes, emotions, and behaviors.
In certain cases, your therapist may recommend working with a psychiatrist in conjunction with 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 primary goal of talk therapy is to help individuals enhance their ability to confront and manage the challenges in their lives. Certain psychotherapies focus on identifying and gaining insight into the underlying causes of distress. This can lead to a deeper self-awareness, more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately, improved mental health. Other psychotherapies, on the other hand, concentrate on changing behavioral patterns and developing coping skills, with the belief that modifying behaviors will ultimately improve 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 revolves around embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We provide a diverse array of psychiatric and psychotherapy services, all conveniently located under one roof. Our primary mission is to ensure that our patients have easy access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment that is customized to their specific needs.
After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is well-prepared to offer further guidance on the most suitable treatment plan for your unique circumstances. Many of our patients discover that a combination of medication management from a psychiatric specialist, combined with ongoing psychotherapy, leads to the most favorable outcomes. However, we recognize that preferences and requirements can vary. Some individuals may have a preference for one type of treatment over the other. Ultimately, the decision 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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