How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, encompasses discussions with a licensed mental health professional like a psychologist, counselor, or social worker to address mental or emotional challenges.
Certain types of talk therapy may be more effective for specific problems or concerns. I encourage you to engage with a Geode therapist regarding your situation. They’ll design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your requirements. If necessary, including medication, they can readily connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric practitioners within the same office.
Our therapists in Chicago, IL (West Town)
Debra Stambaugh, LCSW, CT, EMDR
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 10 years in… View Debra Stambaugh’s profile
Justin Hahn, LCSW
Therapist
With eight years of experience in therapy, I have worked extensively in outpatient and in-home… View Justin Hahn’s profile
Michelle Diaz, LCPC, LPTA
Therapist
I am a licensed therapist focused on providing a compassionate and nurturing environment for self-exploration… View Michelle Diaz’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Chicago, IL (West Town)
Contrary to numerous “virtual-only” mental healthcare providers 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 for medications that others cannot provide. Additionally, it grants access to the latest treatments.
Moreover, for enhanced flexibility, we offer the option to connect with our providers online through secure video visits. Both in-person and virtual visits are easily scheduled and managed online, typically available within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach dedicated to aiding children and teenagers in managing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It entails collaborating with a trained therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to assist children and adolescents in expressing their thoughts and feelings, cultivating coping skills, and enhancing their overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy modality designed to assist individuals in altering their negative thinking and behavior patterns that could contribute to mental health issues. Its emphasis lies in identifying and challenging negative thoughts, fostering coping strategies, and establishing and attaining goals to enhance mental health and overall well-being. CBT stands out as one of the most extensively researched therapeutic approaches worldwide.
Couples therapy, a subset of psychotherapy, aids couples in enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and reinforcing their relationship. Through the guidance of a trained therapist working collaboratively with both partners, it aims to identify and tackle issues like infidelity, health concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, ultimately striving to enhance the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) functions as a psychotherapy approach merging cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Initially formulated to address borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has been adapted to tackle various other conditions, encompassing eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT facilitates individuals in acquiring skills to both endure and regulate their emotions, effectively manage distress, and enhance their relationships with others. Its widespread popularity is evidenced by certain schools integrating DBT skills to support 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, both psychotherapy and talk therapy encompass the same mental health treatment approach.
Psychotherapy is typically regarded as a form of psychological treatment or counseling that utilizes verbal communication and various activities to assess an individual’s mental or emotional state in addressing negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Likewise, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic practice where the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in verbal interaction with their patient as an integral part of their treatment plan.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that not all forms of psychotherapy rely on verbal communication as the primary element. Some individuals prefer alternative, more imaginative approaches, such as art therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions using nonverbal methods instead.
While both psychotherapy and psychiatry can effectively manage mental illness, they differ significantly.
A psychiatrist, being a medical doctor, specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness using medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are utilized to address symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy emphasizes fostering communication between the patient and a trained professional to aid in developing skills necessary for identifying and managing emotional challenges. Psychotherapy delves into internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In certain cases, your therapist may recommend collaborating with a psychiatrist in conjunction with 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 objective of talk therapy is to support individuals in enhancing their ability to cope with and navigate life’s challenges. Some psychotherapies concentrate on identifying and gaining insight into the origins of distress. This process can foster a deeper self-awareness, equip individuals with more effective tools for stress management and emotion regulation, and ultimately lead to improved mental health. Conversely, other psychotherapies prioritize changing behavioral patterns and fostering coping skills, operating under the notion that altering behaviors will ultimately enhance 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, our ethos revolves around advocating for a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We offer an extensive range 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.
After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is well-equipped to offer further guidance on the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation. Many patients find that a combination of medication management with a psychiatric specialist, coupled with ongoing psychotherapy, yields the best outcomes. However, recognizing individual preferences, some may favor one type of treatment over the other. Ultimately, the decision to consult with a therapist or psychiatrist hinges 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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