How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, 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 issues may respond better to specific forms of talk therapy. It’s advisable to discuss your situation with a Geode therapist. They will develop a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs. If this includes medication, they can readily refer you to one of the Geode psychiatric specialists within the same office.
Our therapists in Plano, TX
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
Kimberly Reuter, LPC, LCPC, LPCC
Therapist
I believe that it is vitally important to provide individuals with a safe place to… View Kimberly Reuter’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Plano, TX
In contrast to the 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 provide the ability to connect with providers online through secure video visits. Both types of visits are easy 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 therapeutic approach focused on helping children and teenagers effectively manage emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This method entails close collaboration with a trained therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to empower young individuals in expressing their thoughts and emotions, acquiring coping skills, and enhancing their overall functioning and well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic method aimed at aiding individuals in reshaping their negative thought patterns and behaviors that might be exacerbating their mental health difficulties. The essence of CBT centers on recognizing and challenging harmful thoughts, developing effective coping strategies, and establishing goals to enhance mental well-being. CBT is widely regarded as one of the most extensively researched therapeutic approaches globally.
Couples therapy, a type of psychotherapeutic intervention, seeks to enhance couples’ communication, address conflicts, and deal with their potential relationship issues. In this therapeutic process, a trained therapist collaborates with both individuals to identify and tackle issues such as infidelity, health-related challenges, financial difficulties, or a lack of intimacy. At Geode Health, couples therapy can serve as a form of premarital counseling or marriage counseling. Regardless, the overarching aim is to improve the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that fuses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Initially devised to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has been adapted to address various other conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT empowers individuals with the skills to effectively endure and regulate their emotions, manage distress, and enhance their relationships with others. Its widespread acceptance is illustrated by the fact that certain educational institutions are now incorporating DBT skills to assist 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 encompass the same type of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally acknowledged as a form of psychological treatment or psychological counseling that utilizes verbal communication and various activities to evaluate an individual’s mental or emotional state, with the purpose of addressing negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Likewise, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic practice in which the clinician, often referred to as a psychotherapist, engages in conversation with their patient as a central component of their treatment plan.
It’s essential to recognize that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize verbal communication 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 differ significantly.
A psychiatrist, being a medical doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness through medications. Medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers are utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy places its focus on fostering communication between the patient and a trained professional to help individuals acquire the skills necessary for recognizing and coping with emotional challenges. Psychotherapy delves into internal thought processes, emotions, and behaviors.
In some instances, your therapist may recommend collaborating with a psychiatrist alongside ongoing 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 primary objective of talk therapy is to assist individuals in improving their capacity to deal with and navigate the challenges in their lives. Some forms of psychotherapy are oriented towards uncovering and gaining insight into the underlying causes of distress. This process can result in a deeper self-awareness, more effective strategies for managing stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately, an enhancement of one’s mental well-being. Conversely, other psychotherapies focus on modifying behavioral patterns and cultivating coping skills, with the idea that changing behaviors will ultimately lead to improvements in 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 fundamental belief revolves around embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We offer a diverse range of psychiatric and psychotherapy services, all conveniently available under one roof. Our primary objective is to ensure that our patients have easy access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment tailored to their specific needs.
Following your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is well-prepared to provide further guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique situation. Many of our patients find that a combination of medication management with a psychiatric specialist, along with ongoing psychotherapy, leads to the best outcomes. However, we understand that preferences and requirements can vary. Some individuals may favor one type of treatment over the other. Ultimately, the choice to see 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.
At Geode Health Plano, TX, each family therapist specializes in navigating complex family system dynamics, providing a supportive environment for every client to address any family conflict or mental health concerns. With a wealth of experience, our therapists work collaboratively with families to develop effective strategies, ensuring each member feels heard and understood, fostering healing and stronger family bonds.
Absolutely. In Plano, TX, Geode Health’s therapists offer individual therapy tailored to those undergoing life transitions, coping with social anxiety, or healing from trauma. Our therapists have extensive professional work experience and can craft personalized treatment plans, ensuring each client receives compassionate care and effective strategies to navigate their challenges and foster personal growth.
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