How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, encompasses engaging in conversations with a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, to address mental or emotional issues.
Certain issues or problems may respond more effectively to specific types of talk therapy. Feel free to discuss your situation with a Geode therapist. They will formulate a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. If this involves medication, they can readily provide a referral to one of the Geode psychiatric practitioners within the same office.
Our therapists in Chicago, IL (West Loop)
Alexis Santiago, LPC, MA
Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been providing therapy services for over a… View Alexis Santiago’s profile
Erin Richards, LCSW
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 5 years in… View Erin Richards’s profile
Naomi Cohen, LCSW
Therapist
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a background working with both adolescent and adult… View Naomi Cohen’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Chicago, IL (West Loop)
In contrast to the multitude of “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies existing today, Geode Health is physically situated in the communities we serve. This physical presence empowers us to conduct in-person monitoring of patients with complex needs, ensuring the safe prescription of medications that others cannot provide, and facilitating access to the latest treatments.
Furthermore, for added flexibility, we provide the option to connect with providers online via a secure video visit. Both visit types are easily 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 approach aimed at assisting children and teenagers in navigating emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This form of therapy entails collaboration with a trained therapist who employs age-appropriate techniques to support children and adolescents in expressing their thoughts and feelings, fostering the development of coping skills, and enhancing their overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic method that supports individuals in altering their negative thinking and behavior patterns that could be linked to mental health problems. The central emphasis of CBT is on recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, creating coping strategies, and establishing and accomplishing goals to enhance mental health and overall well-being. Globally, CBT stands out as one of the most extensively researched forms of therapy.
Couples therapy, a type of psychotherapeutic intervention, is dedicated to aiding couples in enhancing their communication, resolving conflicts, and fortifying their relationship. This therapeutic process involves a skilled therapist working collaboratively with both partners to identify and address issues such as infidelity, health concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, with the ultimate aim of improving the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Initially developed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has subsequently been adjusted to address various other conditions, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT empowers individuals to acquire skills for both tolerating and regulating their emotions, managing distress, and enhancing their relationships with others. Its widespread popularity is evident, as some 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 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.
Although both psychotherapy and psychiatry can effectively manage mental illness, they diverge significantly in their approaches.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor specializing in mental illness, employs medications to diagnose and treat conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are utilized to alleviate symptoms.
Conversely, psychotherapy hinges on communication between a patient and a trained professional, fostering skill development to recognize and manage emotional challenges. It delves into internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
At times, your therapist may suggest collaborating with a psychiatrist alongside ongoing psychotherapy to address both 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 aim of talk therapy is to help individuals enhance their ability to cope with and navigate life’s challenges. Certain psychotherapies focus on identifying and gaining insight into the underlying causes of distress. This process can lead to a deeper self-understanding, more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, and ultimately, an improvement in mental health. Conversely, other psychotherapies prioritize changing behavioral patterns and fostering coping skills, operating under the premise 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 philosophy revolves around embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We offer a wide spectrum of psychiatry and psychotherapy services, all conveniently available under one roof, ensuring our patients have seamless access to top-notch holistic mental health treatment tailored to their needs.
Following your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is well-equipped to provide further guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. Many patients find that a combination of medication management with a psychiatric specialist and ongoing psychotherapy yields optimal results, although some may favor one treatment type over the other. Ultimately, the decision to engage with a therapist or psychiatrist is contingent upon 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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