How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, consists of discussions with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional concerns.
Certain variations of talk therapy might be more effective for specific problems or issues. Consulting a Geode therapist about your circumstances is recommended. They will devise a personalized treatment plan tailored to your requirements. If medication is part of the approach, they can seamlessly connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric specialists within the same office.
Our therapists in Park Ridge, IL
Scott Kainovic, LPC
Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been providing therapy services for three years… View Scott Kainovic’s profile
Colin Jensen, LCSW
Therapist
I believe that therapy can provide new and different angles to assist people with finding… View Colin Jensen’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Park Ridge, IL
In contrast to numerous “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies today, Geode Health has a physical presence in the communities we serve. This presence enables us to conduct in-person monitoring for patients with complex needs, ensuring safe prescription practices that others can’t provide, and granting access to the latest treatments.
Moreover, for increased flexibility, we provide the option to connect with our providers online through secure video visits. Booking and managing both in-person and virtual visits are user-friendly and accessible online, typically available within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specialized therapeutic method directed at aiding children and teenagers in managing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This approach entails collaborating with a trained therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to support children and adolescents in expressing their thoughts and feelings, fostering coping skills, and enhancing their overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy approach aiding individuals in reshaping negative thinking and behavior contributing to mental health issues. It centers on recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, developing coping strategies, and attaining goals to enhance mental health and well-being. CBT stands as one of the most extensively researched therapeutic methods globally.
Couples therapy, a facet of psychotherapy, aims to assist couples in enhancing their communication, resolving conflicts, and reinforcing their relationship. In this process, a skilled therapist collaborates with both partners to identify and tackle issues like infidelity, health concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, all with the objective of improving the overall health and happiness within the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach merging cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Initially crafted for borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has since evolved to address a spectrum of conditions including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT facilitates individuals in acquiring skills to both tolerate and regulate emotions, manage distress, and foster better relationships. Its widespread acceptance is evident as certain educational institutions integrate DBT into curricula 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
Certainly, psychotherapy and talk therapy are synonymous terms within the realm of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is commonly categorized as a psychological treatment or counseling method that utilizes verbal communication and various activities to evaluate an individual’s mental or emotional state. The objective is to address negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Likewise, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic technique in which the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with their patient as a fundamental element of the treatment plan.
It’s important to note that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize verbal communication as the primary component. Some individuals may opt for more innovative approaches, such as art therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions using nonverbal techniques.
While 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 through the use of medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy concentrates on promoting communication between the patient and a trained professional to facilitate the development of skills essential for identifying and managing emotional challenges. Psychotherapy is centered on internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In certain situations, your therapist may suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist while continuing psychotherapy to address both the symptoms and the 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 goal of talk therapy is to improve individuals’ capacity to deal with and navigate the difficulties of life. Some psychotherapies concentrate on revealing and comprehending the roots of distress, fostering increased self-awareness, offering more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately playing a role in enhancing mental well-being. Conversely, different psychotherapies give precedence to altering behavioral patterns and nurturing coping skills, working on the assumption that modifying behaviors will ultimately have a positive impact 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, we are committed to adopting a comprehensive approach to mental well-being as our fundamental principle. Our array of psychiatry and psychotherapy services is extensive, all conveniently accessible under one roof. This ensures that our patients receive 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 appropriate treatment plan for your specific circumstances. Many patients find that optimal results come from a combination of medication management by a psychiatric specialist and ongoing psychotherapy. However, some individuals may have a preference for 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.
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