Many of us have been to therapy or know someone who has a therapist. Following our favorite Instagram therapists and talking to our friends about what we’re working on in therapy might be part of our everyday conversations. Some of us have never been to a therapist because we may not feel like it would be helpful, may feel embarrassed to seek one, or do not have the accessibility or means. There are those of us who have had an unfavorable experience with a therapist and are not sure of the usefulness of attempting therapy again. So, is therapy even effective? What is therapy all about?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing.” The therapeutic partnership that exists between a client and therapist is the foundation of the collaborative treatment known as psychotherapy.

We’ve taken some time to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy and how it “works”…

Why go to a therapist when I can just talk with a friend, a family member, or a spiritual/religious leader?

You will find that therapists encourage you to lean into your personal support system (with boundaries, of course!), but sometimes the people in our support system do not always have the knowledge or tools to respond in a productive way. Therapy offers a safe, supportive, and confidential environment that enables you to discuss freely with another person who is objective, unbiased, and does not pass judgment on what you think or say. Together with a therapist, you will work to recognize and change unhealthy thinking and patterns of behavior that are preventing you from experiencing a sense of wholeness. Therapy helps you make changes in those patterns so that you may live freely as your most authentic self. Certain types of psychotherapy are more effective than others at treating particular mental health and behavioral challenges. Therapists are trained in using evidence-based treatment modalities. We will explore these different modalities in future blog posts.

Are my struggles “bad” enough for therapy? What if the therapist thinks my problems aren’t that big of a deal for me to come to therapy?

First, as your therapist we are honored to sit with you as you vulnerably share your personal stories, your pains, your joys, your hurts, and your victories. Your therapist will not compare your distress to any other’s situation. Your pain is significant, never to be minimized. People who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, such as substance use disorders or mood disorders, are not the only people who can benefit from psychotherapy. ANY person may benefit from therapy for a variety of the issues or conflicts that inevitably happen in life, such as work stressors, relationship issues or break ups, adjusting to college, or becoming an empty nester (to name a few).

How long will I need to be in therapy and is it more than just talking about my feelings?

You may have heard the saying, “Healing isn’t linear.” Healing often feels messy and your struggles and emotions simply mean you are human. One of the goals of therapy is to help you build coping tools that are long lasting. Therefore, when challenges arise, you have the tools to sit with the waves of pain or anxiousness and cope in a beneficial way. Therapy can be short-term or long-term. It can be for months or years. This can depend on your needs and goals, stage of change, or financial limitations. Approximately 75% of those who seek therapy report a significant increase in their quality of life following treatment, according to research. Researchers have even used brain-imaging tools to indicate that psychotherapy positively affects brain activity, structural brain changes, and neural processes in the hippocampus, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex.

Where do I find a therapist who fits my needs?

Finding a therapist who fits your needs can feel daunting, but websites like PsychologyToday.com allow you to filter your search by selecting the “issues” for which you are seeking therapy, your insurance plan, your preferred gender identity, and location. Most therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation. Therapy sessions typically last 50-60 minutes and are weekly, biweekly or monthly depending on your needs. Therapists have different styles and personalities, so it’s ok for you to talk with or try more than one before you find the one who is the best fit for you. You can also visit our Vibes Page to learn more about each of the therapists at Summit’s Edge!

No matter the reason you choose to begin therapy, we’re happy you’re here and we can’t wait to meet you!

Authored by: Julianna Robinson LCSW

References:

Beauregard, M. (2014, March 0). Functional neuroimaging studies of the effects of psychotherapy - PMC. PubMed Central (PMC); www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3984893/#__ffn_sectitle
Recognition of Psychotherapy Effectiveness. (2012). American Psychological Association; www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-psychotherapy
What is psychotherapy? (2019, January). American Psychiatric Association: www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy