Blog - OCC

Jan3

What is the Difference between Psychotherapy and Counseling?

Deciding between psychotherapy and counseling can be difficult, especially when you need help. Rest assured that both psychotherapists and counselors can be helpful in meeting your therapeutic goals but taking some time to understand the difference between the two disciplines may produce better outcomes. Psychotherapy and Counseling terms have been used interchangeably for some time but there are important differences between psychotherapy and counseling.

PSYCHOTHERAPY	COUNSELING
Long-term solutions for past or recurring problems	Short-term solutions for present problems
Treatment is typically longer in duration	Treatment is typically shorter in duration
Feeling and experience focused	Action and behavior focused
Primary Process (addresses the event)	Secondary Process-(meaning attached to event)
May include talk therapy & testing & other modalities	Typically, is talk therapy

Most trained therapists use a combination of both psychotherapy and counseling techniques with the goal being to “start where the client is.” Based on the client’s goals and treatment needs, the therapist and the client will develop a treatment plan that will likely incorporate all the above techniques.

Counseling:
Means to “advise” and it generally involves the counselor and patients to use critical thinking to solve a problem. Counselors tend to provide advice, planning and guidance and are very active in the process. This process is typically short term and is present oriented with very specific goals.

Psychotherapy:
Generally, focuses on increased insight into chronic physical or emotional pain, where thoughts and feelings from the past and present are analyzed and changed so the person feels emotional relief.

Similarities:
Both counseling and psychotherapy are built on trust. Trust is the building block for all therapeutic interactions and with trust, the person feels emotional, and physically safe to share their story.

If you are unsure about seeing a counselor or a psychotherapist, reach out to these professionals and ask questions. A qualified professional should be able to provide you with their own process, their credentials, how they work with clients, explain the difference between counseling and psychotherapy and most importantly provide you with a sense of connection.

Jan3

How to Deal with Traumatic Memories

By Kim Wells - One on One Counseling

Most of us can remember a time when something uncomfortable and unpleasant happened to us. We wish that event did not happen, but despite the event, we can still go on with our lives, and that event does not impact our daily lives. This is an example of our brain and nervous system being able to manage or tolerate uncomfortable events. However, traumatic memories impact the body and nervous system very differently and continue to impact our daily thoughts, beliefs, and at times our bodies. It’s important to learn how to deal with traumatic memories.

Traumatic memories are best dealt with by a licensed mental health provider who understands the complexities of traumatic experiences. You, along with your therapist, will likely begin by talking about the traumatic memory, the pre, and post-issues that surround that memory, and how that trauma continues to impact you today. Understanding trauma typically involves these steps:

1. Understanding of the trauma response
2. Psychoeducation of the brain and body during trauma
3. Grounding techniques to use when the memory is overwhelming
4. Identification of the memory
5. Triggers that initiate the traumatic memory
6. Body sensations during the traumatic memory
7. Negative beliefs about self during the trauma
8. Positive beliefs about self that the client who rather feel about themselves
9. Processing the traumatic memory
10. Decreased emotional “charge” when the memory occurs
11. Improved overall functioning in body, mind, and soul

A trauma informed therapist should always teach the client emotional regulation and grounding techniques to use during and after the memory has been processed and will likely check on the client to make sure that they are able to tolerate the reprocessing sessions.

Memories have a beginning, middle and an end, while traumatic memories can have these parts, traumatic memories tend to get “stuck” in one side of the brain and the memory is more easily triggered. Many people with traumatic memories have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnoses and suffer from some the following:

1. Reoccurring and distressing thoughts and beliefs about the event
2. Reoccurring dreams about the event
3. Acting or feeling that the memory is reoccurring (flashback)
4. Intense psychological impairment due to the traumatic event

The goal of the therapist is to allow the client to “revisit” the traumatic memory in a safe, secure manner so that the client can experience all parts of the memory (beginning, middle and end) and as a result, the emotional “charge” is decreased, and the client’s level of functioning is increased.

If you are suffering from a traumatic memory and that past memory is currently impacting your life, there is help. Learn how to deal with traumatic memories with one our a licensed therapists. Look for a trauma informed therapist, one that is trained in EMDR and other modalities used to treat these memories.

Oct3

How to Set Boundaries with Family

By Kim Wells - Family Therapy

With the holiday time upon us, we are pulled in several directions, from holiday parties, to baking, to having friends and family over, all the while juggling our jobs, kids, and relationships. So why are the holidays such a stressful time?

Many of us over commit, overindulge, and over EVERYTHING to make sure that those around us are happy and healthy. The problem with this approach is that when we do not set limits, we begin to feel overwhelmed, resentful and at times angry. Setting limits and boundaries is an effective way to manage our emotions and to set realistic expectations for all.

Here’s how to set boundaries with family during the holiday season.

What are boundaries? Boundaries are invisible lines that we place around ourselves that communicate to ourselves and others what is Ok with us and what is not OK with us. Effective boundaries are ever evolving and changing depending on the situation with the core limit being what is appropriate for me and what is not. Boundaries build TRUST. Nonexistent, lose or rigid boundaries decrease trust. Boundaries can come in many forms, including physical, mental, emotional, financial, moral, sexual, and spiritual. Our parents have taught us about boundaries whether they realized it or not. For example, if a teenager sees his mother saying “yes” to several commitments despite feeling overwhelmed, she may inadvertently teach the teenager that saying “no” can be seen as rude, unkind, or not caring of others. On the other hand, another mother who “always says no” to events may be teaching her children that rigid, inflexible boundaries are a better way to set limits.

I think that Brene’ Brown explains boundaries in a clear and easy to understand how to evaluate a situation and when to apply limits and boundaries…..she calls this BRAVING. BRAVING is described as:

B Boundaries-without boundaries there is no trust; must have appropriate limits

R Reliability-I can only trust you if you consistently do what you say

A Accountability- I can only trust you when you 1) own it 2) apologize for it 3) make amends

V Vault-I will keep what you say in confidence; I will not share other people’s stories

I Integrity- Choose 1) courage over comfort 2) what is right over what is fun, fast, & easy 3) practicing values not just professing values

N Non-judgement- Must be reciprocal and non-judgement towards other and self; cannot judge self for something and not judge others for the same

G Generosity-Assume the most generous words, intentions & behaviors and check in with me

It’s important to learn how to set boundaries with your family during the holidays. So, before you go into the holiday season, ask yourself if saying “yes” to the situation leads to BRAVING or breaking. Your friends and family will thank you for changing your approach and increasing their trust in what is OK with you and what is not OK with you.

Apr12

Does Group Therapy Work?

By Nicole McAnally-Turner - Group Therapy

Let’s start from the top, what is group therapy? Group therapy is a small group of people with at least one common issue or experience (personal, relational, societal) that gather to share their related thoughts and feelings. With the help of a group leader (therapist) or two, a safe and confidential space is provided where members give each other support, validation, suggestions, and ideas. Groups are either open or closed. Open groups allow members to join at any time, whereas closed groups begin with all their members.

Now that we know what group therapy is, you may be thinking “would group therapy work for me”? Thinking about being vulnerable in front of a group of strangers can be intimidating. Having some concerns and questions about the group is normal. Group therapy can offer members: a rewarding experience, camaraderie, accountability from members, empowerment, practice in sharing your thoughts/feelings with others, relief from the feelings of being the only one, self-discovery, and alternative points of view.

Can group really be just as helpful as individual therapy? Most participating members find that group therapy is in fact very helpful due to the interactions with other members that allow you to practice what you are learning both in and out of the group. Expect to get out of it what you put in, the same as you would for individual therapy. Mashinter, 2020 states, “The power of group therapy is in the recognition that the sufferer is not alone. An admission that other people have similar thoughts is one of the first steps to feeling healthy again”.

As a therapist who has facilitated group therapy before, I can say from experience that I have been able to witness the value that group therapy provides. I have seen members grow, learn, share, support each other and even look for more opportunities for group sessions in the future. Join us for group therapy and see for yourself if group therapy would really work for you.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2019, October 31). Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy. American Psychological Association. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy

Kerslake, R. (2021, June 25). Better together? 5 benefits of group therapy. Psych Central. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/benefits-of-group-therapy

M counseling and psychological services. University of Michigan Counseling and Psychological Services. (n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://caps.umich.edu/article/strategies-group-success

Mashinter, P. (2020). Is Group Therapy Effective? BU Journal of Graduate Studies in Education, 12(2), 33–36. https://doi.org/https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1263014.pdf

Apr6

How to Take a Mental Health Day

By Kelsey Rood - Mental Health

A mental health day consists of taking a day off work, school, or daily responsibilities in order to give yourself a mental break. This can include focusing on your mental health, relieving stress, and working towards preventing potential burnout. It has also become clearer over the years that mental health holds as great of importance as physical health.

It is standard practice in many fields of work to take days off when feeling sick. This gives your body time to rest, heal, and reset. The same should be said for mental health. Research has shown that our mental state can have a direct impact on our physical health. Studies have shown that poor mental health can increase the risk and severity of chronic illnesses, sleeping difficulties, and developing health complications. Studies have also found that having overall positive mental health can decrease the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and various medical conditions. Mental health days are vital because by prioritizing mental health, we are also taking care of our overall well-being.

So now that we know why mental health days are so crucial, how do we take one and what should we do during that time? Mental health days can come in all shapes and sizes, fitting the mold of a person’s individual needs. Mental health days can be taken by calling out sick, taking time off work, or planning one in advance for a day you are already free. As previously stated, the overall goal of a mental health day is to decrease stress, process and evaluate your emotions, rest, relax, and reset. Doing so can help give a new perspective and a clearer mind to face the responsibilities that are ahead.

Below are some suggestions on what to do during your mental health day:

Pampering yourself: this can include (but not limited to) getting a massage, going to a spa or salon, taking a relaxing bath/shower.
Going for a run, walk, swim, or drive
Planning a fun activity out of the house, especially one you enjoy doing. This can be done alone or with a friend/loved one. Some examples include going shopping, visiting a museum, going to a park, attending local events, going to the movies, seeing a play, attending a concert, etc.
Taking time to do hobbies you enjoy doing. This can include video games, crafts, sports, dancing, puzzles, gardening, cooking, reading, watching TV/movies, drawing etc. This is one that is primarily dependent on what you like to do and are passionate about.
Exercising/doing yoga
Setting time to get a good night’s sleep/taking a nap
Eating regularly throughout the day & staying hydrated
Setting and evaluating goals you have for yourself and positive changes you would like to make.
Getting outside and moving around
Journaling
Meditating and practicing mindfulness techniques
Socializing, calling, facetiming, and communicating with friends and loved ones.
Nothing: sometimes what you may need most is to do nothing and give yourself the okay to not do anything. This day does not have to be productive in the traditional sense.

It is important to note that this is not an exclusive list of recommendations, and everyone will have their own idea and ways of having a positive mental health day. If you feel like you are overwhelmed, reaching a level of burnout, or just need time to decompress, take a mental health day. Make it your own and don’t forget to practice self-compassion and kindness!

References

WebMD Editorial Contributers (n.d.). Mental health: How it affects your physical health. WebMD. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-does-mental-health-affect-physical-health

Scott, E. (July 30, 2021). When you should take a mental health day. Very Well Mind. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/when-and-how-to-take-a-mental-health-day-3144754

Mar31

What is Addiction: The Journey

By Kim Wells - Addiction

Addiction needs radical interventions that stop it in its tracks and keeps it from growing. The many forms of addiction touch all our lives at some point in some way or another. Addiction is a process that escalates, lays dormant, or can flare up to a crescendo. The secrecy, stigma, shame, silence, hidden abuse, dysfunction, fear, stress, and so much more have such an impact on self-esteem and one’s concept of self. It can take someone you or someone you love in an instant and change them to be unrecognizable from the inside out.

I’m going to break down some areas of addiction that warrant thought and reflection.

The healing process:

As humans, we thrive on relationships. Each other. People. Love. We were made for it. Addiction harms relationships and cut them at the core; sometimes damaging the roots where there is little chance of, well, “a chance. “

Learning and hearing other people also go through their ordeals provide a vessel of hope and support. With mercy, gratitude, and awareness healing is possible to take place. Whether you are in active addiction, recovery, or the people affected by addiction, it’s not all your fault.

Recovery is likened to seeds that need to be sown. Seeds that need to be cultivated and harvested. We are all the farmers, needing to keep throwing seeds until finally, one will sprout. A harvest will come after a long hard winter. Some springs will be more plentiful with colorful fruits that are ripe for the picking in due time, but each year brings a new winter of hardships, setbacks, and obstacles. It’s how we face each day believing, learning to trust tomorrow will be better, that’s how healing builds.

The long the way:

There will be pitfalls, disappointments, and heartache. Challenges present themselves on this long way and people are far from perfect. The short definition of insanity is repeating the same thing getting the same results. They say relapse is a part of recovery. How does one define a “relapse” is up to the addiction and the identified terms of an individual and/or the family/support system. Without knowing or acknowledging the truth and building trust the way to recovery and healing will be longer, more complicated, devastating, and harder for all touched by the addiction. Ownership and reflection on yourself are key. If you are the support system of the addict or love someone struggling with addiction, my hope is that your love for them is tough. If you are the addict in recovery or facing recovery as you read this believe, or try to believe, accountability and the ones holding you accountable are doing so out of their love for you.

Enabling:

Encouraging and denial only influence recovery to take longer. Not seeing or learning the red flags of addiction or the red flags addiction in general causes residual damage. See some addicts are talented at “bending” the truth. This is why trust and accountability are so important in a long way to healthy living.

Family/Support System:

Addiction is a family disease that affects the entire family and support system. Often children can develop newfound respect as they learn about addiction and even build admiration for their recovering parents/loved ones. Becoming grateful for their parent’s hard work and dedication to recovery. Children are far wiser than we give them credit for. They take in so much and they give more allowance for their family to heal, for their relationship to heal. Sometimes I think we “grownups” need to take a few cues from the kiddos out there like, sometimes “just say no,” or “I’m sorry,” or even “it hurts.”

Financial Impact and Time Spent:

Addictions are expensive and time-consuming. Addiction steals your time and money and sense of their worth. How you spend your money and time is often a reflection of what you value in life. Do you value relationships, healing, health, grateful loving hearts, or are you investing in the cancerous addiction?

Addiction:

SO MANY! The litany of types of addictions could go on like the π number. Alcohol, Substances, Sexual, gambling, food, purchasing, health, etc. Indicators of addiction and signs of addiction are often anger, stress, self-doubt and self-esteem manipulation, self-centeredness, immaturity, isolation, defensive, irresponsibility, and unhealthy patterns in relationships/childhood/attachments. Addictions can cause a person to prolong and put off health care causing more health issues throughout life.

Co-occurring Disorders: (Two disorders that tend to make each other worse)

When a person has a disorder that affects their mental health it can cause an inability to cope and people who suffer from the disease of addiction often have co-occurring diagnoses. This can cause the long way to be more complicated and increase swerves along the way. Co-occurring diagnoses complicate what is known as “enabling” and can even be counterproductive and then the addiction escalates. Co-occurring disorders create a much more complex path of treatment or recovery. Often natural consequences of failing and protecting the addict with a co-occurring disorder can be a hard line to walk and extremely difficult to navigate. No one walks this alone.

Rebuilding:

Don’t give up. Seek help and support. Addiction touches us all in one way or another. We are here to help. Coping with a loved one’s addiction is hard, so hard. Learning coping skills to process in a healthy way and manage stress from the addiction is essential for those who are facing recovery whether by proxy or themselves. Come in, let us listen, let us sit with you as you tackle the preverbal beast of addiction and its grasp it holds, or at least learn to manage it in a healthy way. We are here to help and provide hope while you develop strengths to contend with one of the more formidable opponents in life, Addiction.

Mar31

Does My Teenager Need Counseling?

By Kim Wells - Teen Therapy

Adolescence is a time when kids are attempting to individuate from their parents. In short, teens are attempting to spread their wings and leave the nest. Leaving the proverbial “nest” is age-appropriate, but how do we know if our kids are practicing age-appropriate behaviors. You may find yourself asking, does my teenager need counseling?

Changes in Thoughts and Behaviors:

Normal: Lots of teens during this stage question why they are here, what is their purpose, why and/if they are loved and would they be missed if they were not around. Questions about death and dying are normal. Wishes to “die” are not uncommon during this time however these thoughts become concerning when the teens specific plans. Talk with your teen to determine if they want to “escape” the situation or do they truly want to hurt themselves.

NOT Normal:

*Specific plans, intent, or means for self-harm such as cutting and mutilation

*Signs of depression

*Risky behaviors such as drug/alcohol use, illegal activities

*Sexually acting out

*Running away and/or complete disregard for boundaries

*Extreme changes in grades

Changes in Parent Interactions:

Normal Changes: Parents may feel that their kids “don’t want to hang out with us like before” but this is normal in this stage of development and will likely change as they mature. Teenagers during this stage my shy away from being hugged by parents in public. Stay connected when you can, and your teens will mature and be more comfortable with parent interactions in time.

NOT Normal: Teenagers who have intense disdain for parents and/or people of authority. Kids who start to isolate and refuse to participate in activities that most teens enjoy can be a warning sign that the teen needs counseling.

Sudden Mood Swings:

Normal: Teenage years are a time of dramatic change, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Mood swings are a normal part of the process and can be seen as a transition from childhood to adulthood. Teens are learning to navigate friendships while having to balance other responsibilities such as schoolwork, extra-curricular activities, and social media.

NOT Normal: Some teenagers struggle to manage mood swings and while emotions such as sadness, frustration, and anxiety are very common during this time, if these symptoms persist and/or your teen does not have the adequate coping skills to manage these intense feelings, parents should contact a counselor.

Supporting your teen will be very helpful as they navigate this transition, however, if you feel that your teen is struggling outside of the “normal” thoughts and behaviors, it is likely time to seek counseling.

Jan4

New Years Resolutions

By Kim Wells - blog

New Year's Resolution

The New Year is a time for resolutions and hopes for a better future. Resolutions are everywhere…online, on tv, all reminding us to lose weight, complete that degree we never finished in order to be a “happier, healthier, more accomplished person. So why year after year we set “New Year Resolutions” when studies show that most of us have given up our resolutions within 6 weeks.

I have a couple of thoughts. One, most of us say or resolutions rather then writing them down. Studies show that just by writing down your resolutions you increase your chance of success by 47%. If this number is true, that means that you can increase your chances of keeping your resolutions until week 22, sixteen more weeks just by writing down your resolution.

Another thought is that we put a lot of pressure on ourselves by just having a “resolution.” What would happen if instead of a resolution we chose to be more MINDFUL? There is a huge difference between a resolution and being mindful of our thoughts and behaviors.

The definition of a resolution is a “firm decision to do or not to do something”. This implies that there is only one way to be successful, you either do the behavior or don’t do the behavior but if you have any behavior that is not completely changed, you have failed according to this definition. Let me say that again, you have failed. No wonder most people give up on their resolutions so quickly. But what would happen if we changed our resolution to mindfulness? The definition of mindfulness is “the quality of state of being conscious or aware of something in the present moment without judgement.” This means that you can still have goals to be happier and healthier BUT if you fall short in your thoughts or behavior, you can still be successful in meeting your goal if you are aware of your choice. More simply put, mindfulness is not an all or nothing proposition.

So, if you want to increase the chances of reaching your goals this year, try thinking using MINDFULNESS and watch your lives change for the better.

Happy New Year!

Oct29

How to Make Relationship Counseling Work for You and Your Partner

By Brooke Schetgen - blog,Couples Therapy

We have previously discussed the topic of “does couples counseling work?” This is a common question therapists receive and is also a great source of fear and apprehension for many couples who want relationship counseling. It shouldn’t be!

Since we know that relationship counseling can be an extremely helpful tool, let’s shift our focus on how to make couples counseling work for you and your partner. There are many things you can do to make relationship counseling successful, or more likely to be successful, for you and your situation.

One important step in making couples counseling work for you and your partner is don’t wait! Couples, on average, spend six years of being unhappy before reaching out for help and most couples wait too long before seeking counseling. The sooner you begin to tackle the problems, the more likely you are to achieve a positive outcome.

Steps to take to make couples counseling work for you and your partner:

Have realistic expectations for what you’re looking for in counseling and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Realize conflicts are inevitable. Choose your battles wisely and distinguish between petty issues versus important ones.
Be open minded! Be willing to learn basic skills and become more self-aware, as well as emotionally vulnerable with your partner.
Stop seeing each other as the opponent, but as a team working towards a mutual goal of cooperation and contentment.
Have a desire and the ability to be able to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and to feel compassion for your partner’s vulnerable feelings and past emotional traumas.
Be willing to own your part in the problems, as well as your ability to bring about positive change in the relationship. Couples counseling won’t work unless both individuals are open to change some aspect of their behaviors and interactions. Assume you’re as much a part of the problem as your partner.
Do what your counselor tells you to do! You would not go to the doctor and get a prescription to feel better then not take it, right? Therapy only works if you do the work.
Keep your problems between the two of you. Complaining to family members, co-workers, and others outside the relationship promotes negative energy in the relationship, encourages a victim mentality, and keeps you locked in negative patterns.
Don’t threaten divorce. This can trigger more defensiveness and stress from your partner.
Don’t look around at your other options. This prevents you from seeing your partner in the same way and only brings the same issues to a new relationship. Nothing gets solved.
Be sensitive to how scared both you and your partner may be at the prospect of a breakup of the relationship. Relationship breakups are a big deal and a life altering experience.
Keep coming as long as your therapist thinks it’s beneficial.

Relationship counseling has shown to be effective for at least 75% of couples and decreases the number of complaints and distress among partners, and these results remain consistent for at least two years after the conclusion of treatment. Partners can learn to identify toxic patterns of behavior and communication, they can explore problems from a different perspective and learn ways to resolve conflicts more effectively. Couples counseling can also improve the overall quality of interactions and increase intimacy among couples.

Remember, counseling is a preventative process. It only works if you keep practicing what you’re taught and what you have learned from the experience. Most importantly, make sure you find a therapist that both you and your partner feel comfortable with. Connection with a counselor that both of you feel is fair, equitable, and listens to both of you is key to a successful couples counseling experience. We are here to help you and your partner and we are happy to help both of you have the best relationship possible.

References

Brooke, M. (2016, November 04). 10 Things You MUST Do for Marriage Counseling to Work. Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/marriage-counseling-will-not-work-unless-you-do-these-10-things-dg/

Gaspard, T. (2018, April 03). Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Marriage Counseling. Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://www.gottman.com/blog/timing-is-everything-when-it-comes-to-marriage-counseling/

Grande, D. (2017, December 06). Couples Therapy: Does It Really Work? Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-it-together/201712/couples-therapy-does-it-really-work?eml

Oct12

Does Therapy Work?

By Diana Martins - blog

Statistics show that most people will develop or experience mental health symptoms or a mental health emergency at least once in their lifetime. What if I told you that the chances of someone experiencing a mental illness are higher than developing a serious health condition including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes or any type of cancer. Most people are more willing to take care of their physical health than their own mental health.

Many cultures negatively stigmatize mental health symptoms/illness and believe that it is nonexistent. What would happen if we took this same approach to physical illness’ such as high blood pressure or the flu? We would have ill people going to work, grocery shopping, caring for our children, leading our countries and making big decisions all while they are physically ill. According to the National Institute of Mental Health only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment. This means that the other half are trying to function normally when they are unable to do so.

Most Common Mental Health Conditions

According to the World Health Organization, the two most common mental health conditions are depression and anxiety.

Research shows that depression affects over 350 million people worldwide. Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

A two-week period of feeling consistently sad
Experiencing loss of interest
Changes in sleep
Changes in appetite
Changes in energy level
Changes in concentration

Anxiety affects over 284 million people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, China, India and the U.S. are the countries most affected by anxiety. These countries also have the highest levels of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Symptoms of anxiety consist of, but are not limited to:

Feeling nervous, restless or tense
An increased heart rate
Sweating
Trembling
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping

Anxiety can interfere in day to day life and can be extremely difficult to control without proper mental health treatment.

The Research on Psychotherapy

So, the question becomes does therapy work? Can therapy address mental health conditions? According to the American Psychological Association, research indicates that psychotherapy has been found to be very effective in treating mental and behavioral health issues for a wide range of individuals and mental health diagnosis.

Psychotherapy has been found to be more effective than medical treatments that are used to address mental health issues. Psychotherapy has been shown to:

Decrease psychiatric hospitalizations
Improve overall functioning at work
Teaching client’s skills that last once they are no longer in treatment.

Combining psychotherapy and medication has been shown to be more effective than just medication by itself. Results of psychotherapy are known to have a longer result than using medication, which at times can have harmful side effects.

Please remember that a therapist is not there “to fix you”. A therapist is there to help you develop insight into your thoughts, worries, problems, and mental health condition. If you find yourself wondering does therapy work and you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, please contact us at Olney Counseling Center at (301) 570-7500 to begin working with one of our qualified mental health therapists.

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