What is Psychotherapy|Therapy.

A person with depression is not a weak person. Its just that he has had to cope up with much more. Psychotherapy or therapy makes the person capable of handling that “much more”.

Psychotherapy, also called therapy or talk therapy is a psychological treatment of mental disorders such as depression. This therapy involves a series of talking sessions or counseling sessions between the depressed patient and psychotherapist. Broadly psychotherapy or therapy is also referred to as counseling.

Psychotherapy alone is not sufficient to treat depression but it becomes very effective when used in combination with other treatments such as medications for depression. Psychotherapy has no risks except facing an awkward moment when confessing during psychotherapy.

Therapy Sessions|Counseling Sessions.

About psychotherapy sessions.

The length and the number of these counseling sessions between the psychotherapist and the depressed person vary depending on the severity of the depression and the number of problems that need to be addressed.

Psychotherapy sessions are taken once a week but more severe forms of depression may require more than one session in a week.

Therapy sessions can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. In children the sessions are short of about 30 minutes as they show impatience earlier. Some adults benefit more from long sessions of about 60 to 90 minutes. On average a 45 minute therapy session is based on insurance practices.

Most will start to experience some relief within 6 to 10 sessions. It may take up to 20 to 30 of these counseling sessions to see some significant improvement in 80% of the patients.

Counselor|Psychotherapist.

How to choose your psychotherapist.

This  therapy is essentially conducted by a professional who is qualified and trained to practice psychotherapy such as a

• Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist  is medical doctor who has completed his post graduation in this branch of medicine, namely mental health and holding the basic degree of M.D. or D.O. Though doctors who have completed their under graduation in medicine can practice therapy, it is advisable to seek a post graduate.
• Psychotherapist should hold a master’s degree in psychotherapy and should have adequate experience.
• Psychologist. The psychologist should necessarily hold a post graduate doctorate degree in psychology namely Ph.D.
• Counselor. The mental health counselor should hold a master’s degree in counseling namely Master of Arts (M.A.)or Master of Science (M.Sc.) or master of Education (M.Ed) or a Master’s degree in counseling pstchology.
• Clinical social worker. This person should be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and should hold a Master’s degree in social work (MSW) and should have undergone clinical training and passed its exam also.
• Psychiatrist nurse. This nurse should hold the degree of APRN (Advanced practice registered nurses).

Psychotherapy is a very effective tool but in wrong hands will be ineffective, It is necessary that you choose your psychotherapist well to ensure success. Look for experience, qualifications and reports from other patients.

Therapy and Depression.

How psychotherapy helps depression.

• Psychotherapy helps the depressed person go through various causes and trigger factors of depression and identify a particular factor which could be the reason for his depression.
• Reading causes and risk factors of depression will tell you that besides the chemical changes in the brain believed to be the cause of depression, certain lifestyle habits, social  and environmental factors too contribute as risk factors. Antidepressants take care of the chemical changes in the brain while psychotherapy helps you to fight and adjust with the social and environmental factors.
• Psychotherapy helps in taking away your negative attitude and feeling. It also helps you to cope with the stress causing factors and increases your stress threshold.
• Psychotherapy helps you to take control of your sinking life and hold it together. You learn to face challenges and the problem solving skills which then make you a more confident person to take good and healthy decisions which were lost earlier.

Uses of Psychotherapy in Mental Disorders.

In which conditions psychotherapy is used.

Psychotherapy is indicated in a number of mental health conditions.

• Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar.
• Eating disorders such as bulimia (binge eating or eating large amounts of food)  and anorexia.
• Addiction to alcohol and drugs.
• Schizophrenia – a mental disorder characterized by disintegration of thought process and emotion.
• Anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobia, post traumatic stress disorder.
• Life’s stresses and conflicts such as everyday anxiety and stress of work, — everyday conflicts with a business associate, — coping with a major incident such as death of a near one, divorce and job loss, — learning to live with a chronic illness such as diabetes, chronic pain or cancer, — recovering from a traumatic childhood incident such as physical or sexual abuse, — helping you to sleep better.

Next: Types of Therapy.

Related posts:

1. Types of Therapy.
2. Treatment of Depression in Women.