How talk therapy works
Talk therapy, sometimes called psychotherapy, revolves around having conversations with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional issues.
Certain types of talk therapy may be more effective for specific problems or concerns. Feel free to engage in a dialogue with a Geode therapist about your particular situation. They will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to meet your individual needs. If this involves medication, they can readily connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric practitioners in the same office.
Our therapists in McKinney, TX
Tarsha Gibson, LPC
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 9 years in… View Tarsha Gibson’s profile
Jane McLaughlin, LPC-S
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 20 years in… View Jane McLaughlin’s profile
Allie Roberts, LCSW
Therapist
I use a blend of psychodynamic, relational, and skills-based therapies to support clients in navigating… View Allie Roberts’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in McKinney, TX
In contrast to many “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies prevalent today, Geode Health is physically located in the communities we serve. This physical presence allows us to personally monitor patients with complex needs, safely prescribe medications that others can’t, and offer access to the latest treatments.
For added flexibility, we also offer the ability to connect with providers online through secure video visits. Both visit types are easy to book and manage online, available within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specific type of therapy focused on aiding children and teenagers in managing emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues. It involves partnering with a trained therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to facilitate the expression of thoughts and emotions, foster the development of coping skills, and improve overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy aimed at helping individuals change their negative thought and behavior patterns that may be contributing to mental health problems. It emphasizes the identification and challenging of negative thoughts, the development of coping strategies, and the setting and achievement of goals to improve mental health and well-being. CBT is widely acknowledged as one of the most extensively researched forms of therapy worldwide.
Couples therapy, falling within the realm of psychotherapy, is a valuable resource for couples looking to enhance their communication, resolve conflicts, and bolster their relationship. This therapeutic process involves a trained therapist collaborating with both partners to identify and address issues such as infidelity, health-related concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, all with the ultimate aim of improving the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Initially developed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has since been adapted to address various other conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT equips individuals with skills to both endure and regulate their emotions, effectively manage distress, and enhance their relationships with others. Its popularity is evident, with some educational institutions now integrating DBT skills to aid 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
Yes, psychotherapy and talk therapy both pertain to the same category of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally recognized as a form of psychological treatment or psychological counseling that relies on verbal communication and various activities to evaluate an individual’s mental or emotional state for the purpose of addressing negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Similarly, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic method 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 essential to acknowledge that not all forms of psychotherapy center around verbal interaction as the primary element – 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 are fundamentally different.
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 prescribed to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy focuses on facilitating 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, emotions, and behaviors.
In certain cases, your therapist may recommend collaborating with a psychiatrist alongside ongoing psychotherapy to address both the symptoms and the 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 fundamental aim 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 process can lead to a deeper self-awareness, more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately, an improvement in mental well-being. On the other hand, different psychotherapies emphasize changing behavioral patterns and developing coping skills with the belief that altering behaviors 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, we are strong proponents of a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We provide a wide spectrum of psychiatry and psychotherapy services, all conveniently available under one roof, ensuring our patients have easy access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment that caters to their individual needs.
Following 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 discover that a combination of medication management with a psychiatric specialist and ongoing psychotherapy yields the most positive outcomes, while others 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 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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