How talk therapy works
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, comprises discussions with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker, aimed at addressing mental or emotional issues.
Specific types of talk therapy might be more effective for particular problems or concerns. Consult a Geode therapist regarding your situation. They will devise a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Should medication be part of the recommended treatment, they can readily connect you with one of the Geode psychiatric practitioners within the same office.
Our therapists in Wheaton, IL
Laura VanDame, LPC
Therapist
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 7 years in… View Laura VanDame’s profile
Susan Cuevas, LCPC
Therapist
As a dedicated psychotherapist with 21 years experience, I hold a firm belief that every… View Susan Cuevas’s profile
Christine Reed, LCSW
Therapist
Navigating life’s challenges can be tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. I… View Christine Reed’s profile
In-person or online appointments available with therapists in Wheaton, IL
In contrast to numerous “virtual-only” mental healthcare companies today, Geode Health has a physical presence in the communities we serve. This enables us to personally monitor patients with complex needs in person, ensuring the safe prescription of medications others can’t provide, and granting access to the latest treatments.
Moreover, for added flexibility, we provide the option to connect with providers online via a secure video visit. Both types of visits can be easily booked and managed online, with availability within a week or less.
Most common psychotherapy services at Geode Health
Child and adolescent therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach aiming to assist children and teenagers in handling emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It involves collaborating with a trained therapist who utilizes age-appropriate techniques to aid children and adolescents in expressing their thoughts and emotions, fostering coping skills, and enhancing their overall functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy modality designed to aid individuals in reshaping their negative thought and behavior patterns that might contribute to mental health issues. CBT emphasizes the identification and confrontation of negative thoughts, the development of coping strategies, and the establishment and accomplishment of goals aimed at enhancing mental health and overall well-being. Globally, CBT stands as one of the most extensively researched forms of therapy.
Couples therapy, a facet of psychotherapy, aims to aid couples in enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and reinforcing their relationship. A trained therapist collaborates with both partners to identify and tackle issues such as infidelity, health concerns, financial challenges, or a lack of intimacy, with the intention of improving the overall health and happiness within the relationship.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques in psychotherapy. Initially targeting borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has evolved to address various conditions like eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT equips individuals with strategies to both tolerate and regulate emotions, manage distress, and enhance interpersonal connections. Its popularity has led certain schools to integrate DBT skills, aiding 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 denote the same form of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is commonly recognized as a type of psychological treatment or counseling that employs verbal communication and various activities to assess an individual’s mental or emotional state and address negative behavioral or emotional patterns. Similarly, talk therapy encompasses any therapeutic method in which the psychotherapist engages in dialogue with the patient as a part of their treatment regimen.
It’s essential to highlight that not all forms of psychotherapy prioritize verbal conversation as the primary element. Some individuals opt for more innovative methods, like art therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions using nonverbal means 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 can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
In contrast, psychotherapy primarily focuses on facilitating communication between the patient and a trained professional to help individuals develop the skills necessary for recognizing and managing emotional challenges. Psychotherapy delves into internal thought processes, feelings, and behaviors.
In certain cases, your therapist may recommend collaborating with a psychiatrist alongside 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 primary aim of talk therapy is to empower individuals to better cope with and handle life’s challenges. Certain psychotherapies are geared towards uncovering and understanding the underlying causes of distress. This exploration often leads to a deeper self-awareness, equipping individuals with more effective tools for managing stress and regulating emotions, ultimately contributing to improved mental health. Conversely, other psychotherapies prioritize changing behavioral patterns and fostering coping skills, operating under the belief that altering behaviors can positively impact 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 principle revolves around embracing a comprehensive approach to mental well-being. We offer an extensive range of psychiatry and psychotherapy services all conveniently situated under one roof, ensuring our patients have access to top-notch holistic mental health treatment tailored to their needs.
After your initial evaluation, your Geode provider is equipped to offer further guidance on the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation. Many patients find that a blend of medication management with a psychiatric specialist and ongoing psychotherapy yields the best results, although some may prefer one treatment approach over the other. Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy or consult with a psychiatrist depends on your unique goals and 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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