What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, also known as therapy, involves communicating and engaging with a professionally trained and accredited therapist to diagnose and treat mental and/or emotional issues. This practice utilizes skilled methods and techniques aimed at improving emotional, mental, physical, social, and interpersonal functioning.

During therapy sessions, the therapist guides individuals through strategic questioning to gain insights into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This process enables the therapist to formulate accurate diagnoses and develop tailored treatment plans to address specific concerns and support clients in their journey toward improved well-being.

Whether you are seeking individual or family-oriented services, Teal Door Counseling Center offers a compassionate and supportive environment to embark on the path to healing and personal growth.

What to expect from your therapist?

The relationship between a therapist and client is meaningful and very important. It is a relationship based on trust and confidentiality. The therapist is the trusted person with whom you will share your innermost thoughts and feelings. He/she will work with you to develop problem solving skills, new, positive coping skills while also pointing out your maladaptive behaviors. Therapists employ deep listening skills to understand things from your perspective. With guidance, you can attain insight into your current struggles. Also, the therapist acts as a source of information by offering psychoeducation related to your mental health diagnosis.

Above all, your therapist needs to be someone that you feel very comfortable with. Finding a therapist could be challenging, lt may take several interviews of therapists to find a good match for your personality and comfort level. Be very selective during this process, for it is an investment in your future.

Who needs therapy?

Therapy can be long term or short term. Many use short term therapy for current problems they are encountering. An example may be: mild depression; loss/grief; stress; anxiety; relationship conflicts they are encountering at home or at work, etc..

Feedback from a therapist or “reality checking” can help the client deal more effectively with the problem. Or the therapist can aid in getting to the root of the problem thus making it's resolution faster. Many therapists use a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy which effectively treat these diagnoses.

Those who seek the help of a mental health professional do so for varied reasons. Some are dealing with serious mental illnesses such as: major depression; schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; PTSD. Another serious reason would be if someone is thinking of harming themselves or others. Others need therapy because they have behavioral problems which make functioning in society difficult such as: agoraphobia; extreme shyness or social anxiety; problems with authority figures; dysfunctional family lives; eating disorders; sexual abuse/trauma. With many of these problems psychotropic medications can be recommended by a Psychiatrist, Physicians Assistant or by a Nurse Practitioner.