How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, entails engaging in discussions 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 find more effective solutions through specific types of talk therapy. Feel free to converse with one of a Geode’s Austin therapists about your particular situation. They will devise a personalized treatment plan tailored to meet your individual needs. Should this involve the use of medication, they can seamlessly connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric specialists located within the same facility.
Our therapists in Austin, TX (Westlake)
Tammi Schrager, LCSW, CCBT, LSOTP
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 30 years in… View Tammi Schrager’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Austin, TX (Westlake)
In stark contrast to many of today’s “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies, Geode Health has established a physical presence within the communities we serve. This tangible presence empowers us to conduct in-person monitoring for patients with complex needs, enabling the safe prescription of medications that others cannot offer, in addition to providing access to the latest treatments.
Furthermore, we offer added flexibility by giving you the option to connect with our healthcare providers through secure online video visits. Booking and managing appointments for both in-person and virtual visits is a seamless online process, with availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach dedicated to aiding young individuals in managing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This form of therapy entails the guidance of a trained therapist who employs age-appropriate methods to facilitate the expression of thoughts and emotions, cultivate coping skills, and enhance overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy method aimed at helping individuals transform their negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their mental health challenges. Its primary focus involves recognizing and challenging harmful thoughts, developing effective coping strategies, and setting and achieving goals to enhance mental well-being. CBT stands out as one of the most extensively researched therapeutic approaches on a global scale.
Couples therapy, a type of psychotherapeutic intervention, seeks to enhance couples’ communication, address relationship issues, and bolster their relationship. 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. The overarching aim is to improve the overall health and happiness of the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) stands as a psychotherapeutic modality that melds elements from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Originally designed for addressing borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has since found applications in the treatment of various other conditions, encompassing eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT empowers individuals to acquire the tools necessary for better emotional endurance and regulation, proficient distress management, and the enhancement of their interpersonal relationships. Its widespread acceptance is demonstrated by the fact that certain educational institutions have begun to incorporate 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, trauma or life challenges. Each therapy session is 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 refer to the same type of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is generally recognized as a form of psychological treatment or psychological counseling that utilizes verbal communication and various activities to analyze a person’s mental or emotional state in order to address negative emotional or behavioral patterns. Similarly, talk therapy refers to any therapeutic practice in which the clinician (psychotherapist) engages in dialogue with their patient as part of their treatment plan.
It’s important to note that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize talking as the primary component – some individuals prefer 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 distinct in their approaches.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness using medications. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are employed to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conversely, psychotherapy emphasizes the use of communication between the patient and a trained professional to help individuals develop the skills necessary to recognize and manage emotional challenges. Psychotherapy focuses 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 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 aid individuals in enhancing their ability to confront and navigate the challenges they face in their lives. Various psychotherapy approaches revolve around either identifying and gaining insights into the underlying causes of distress, resulting in a deeper self-awareness, more effective strategies for managing stress and emotions, and ultimately, an improved mental well-being. Alternatively, some psychotherapies emphasize altering behavioral patterns and cultivating coping skills, under the premise that changing one’s behaviors will ultimately lead to a positive impact on their 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 belief centers around embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. Within our facilities, we provide an array of psychiatric and psychotherapy services, all conveniently housed under one roof. Our primary mission is to ensure that our patients enjoy easy access to high-quality holistic mental health treatment that is uniquely tailored to their individual needs.
Upon completing your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is fully prepared to offer further guidance regarding the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific circumstances. Many of our patients discover that a combination of medication management from a psychiatric specialist, coupled with ongoing psychotherapy, results in the most favorable outcomes. However, we recognize that preferences and requirements can vary from person to person. As a result, some individuals may lean towards one type of treatment over the other. Ultimately, the choice to consult with a therapist or psychiatrist hinges on your personal goals and distinctive 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, we support personal growth and do so by matching new clients with the right therapist to ensure the best individual therapy experience. Our process considers your specific mental health counseling needs and preferences to connect you with one of our Austin therapists who has the expertise and approach that aligns with your mental health journey. This tailored approach helps ensure that every client receives personalized, effective care as they go through this life transition.
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