Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions, affecting nearly one in five adults in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
When you have a mental illness, it can seem like there's no way to overcome it. You may feel trapped in the debilitating cycle of depression, anxiety, or trauma. It may seem like there's no hope for healing.
But the reality is that you can get better with psychotherapy.
According to the American Psychological Association, 75 percent of people who undergo psychotherapy report they benefit from it. In addition, research shows that patients can function in their day-to-day activities with psychotherapy.
However, finding the right therapist is essential to ensure the best treatment outcome. This article will give tips on choosing the right therapist in Lakewood.
What is Psychotherapy?
But first, what is psychotherapy, and what can it address?
Therapy can be helpful for dealing with any mental health concern. It can even help you deal with physical problems like chronic pain or a worrisome illness.
It involves talking with a trained professional to learn how to cope with emotional distress.
Psychotherapy can help alleviate, if not eliminate, troubling symptoms of most mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Depending on the person's needs, it can be combined with other treatments and medications.
What Are the Different Types of Psychotherapy?
All psychotherapists are equipped to support you in overcoming mental health conditions, difficult life events, or major life transitions such as divorce, bereavement, childbirth, addiction, and job loss. However, there are many approaches in which qualified psychotherapists specialize.
Our Lakewood Counseling Center offers the following types of psychotherapy:
Individual Therapy
Are you worried, sad, or anxious? Are you dealing with a difficult challenge that seems too complex to handle alone? Individual therapy involves working one-on-one with a licensed professional counselor to learn effective ways to manage stress, relationship problems, and troubling situations.
Couples Therapy
Change Inc. also offers couples counseling and marital therapy to all couples, regardless of gender or marital status. We have licensed marriage counselors who offer focused guidance and support. We help couples understand the factors that affect their relationships and develop skills to communicate more effectively, rebuild trust, and reconnect more meaningfully.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps family members effectively resolve conflicts and improve communication. A family therapist can help you mend relationship issues with your partner, children, or other family members.
The therapy can address specific issues, such as financial problems, marital issues, or the impact of mental illness within the family.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR helps people heal from trauma or emotional distress.
It can help people deal with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and extreme reactions to ordinary situations. This technique is done by a licensed professional counselor who has training in EMDR.
Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is an offshoot of EMDR therapy and a powerful method for addressing trauma, anxiety disorder, and other challenges.
It's a mind-body talk therapy that identifies and processes core neurophysiological sources of emotional distress.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
This psychotherapy helps people identify and change thoughts and behavior patterns that are ineffective or harmful and replace them with more accurate thoughts and positive behaviors.
How to Choose the Right Lakewood Psychotherapist
Opening up to someone about your problems can feel daunting. It is not easy, but it can be life changing. But first, you need to find a therapist you can trust.
The right therapist offers a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be heard and understood. More importantly, he or she is equipped with the skills and tools to help you find better ways to cope with your problems and improve your quality of life.
Check out these tips for choosing the right Lakewood psychotherapist:
1) Consider your mental health goals.
While all psychotherapists are equipped to help you with varying mental health issues, you want to find someone who clearly understands your needs and is dedicated to helping you accomplish your therapy goals.
Studies have shown that psychotherapy works better when the client and therapist work together toward the same goals.
Start by contemplating the type of psychotherapy you want, as therapists will have different specializations. For example, if you've heard that EMDR has been effective for others with your condition, you will want to look for a therapist with training and certifications for that specific approach.
Or, if you need help coping with stress or relationship conflicts, you may want to consult a psychotherapist specializing in individual or family therapy.
Note, however, that your goals may change as you work with a therapist. Don't hesitate to talk to your therapist about changing your treatment plan as your needs evolve.
2) Ask the right questions.
During your initial consultation, whether online, over the phone, or in person, take the opportunity to gauge whether or not the therapist is qualified to treat you.
This may sound very basic, but make sure the mental health professional bears a license. You want to ensure that the person you're working with is credentialed in some relevant capacity. As such, it's fair to ask about their experience, training, and qualifications.
Some other questions to ask your therapist during your first session are:
How much experience do you have working with people with the same issue as mine?
What do you consider your area of expertise?
What approaches or treatments have you found effective in resolving my concern?
Think about your "ideal therapist." Consider things such as their communication style, level of experience, and availability.
Besides the basics, you should also consider the practicalities of your treatment. Is the therapy accessible and affordable? Do they offer online or telephone sessions? If you're going in person, find a private practice or counseling center in Lakewood that you can reach without hassle.
3) Find someone you can trust.
No matter how many certifications or professional accreditations the person has, your own feelings of trust and comfort should be your top priority in searching for the right therapist.
Remember that you will be opening up about intimate details of your life, so you must be comfortable with your therapist.
Do you feel heard and respected? Do they listen carefully to what you're saying? Look for someone you can be completely honest with.
The caring and compassionate psychotherapists at Change Inc. are here to answer any questions and ensure they are the right match for you. We value the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship with our clients.
What to Look for in a Therapist
Experience, training, and qualifications are not all that matter. Many other factors go into finding the best fit, such as:
Personality Fit - there should be a positive connection with your therapist, also known as a sense of rapport.
Authenticity - a good therapist is honest, genuine, transparent, and professional. They should also demonstrate integrity in their work.
Positive communication and positive regard - look for a therapist who values and believes in your ability to progress and recover rather than seeing you as broken or dependent.
Comfort - psychotherapy works best when you feel connected to and comfortable with your therapist.
Find the Best Lakewood Psychotherapists at Change Inc.
Change Inc. Counseling is a premier counseling center in Lakewood. Our team is committed to providing a client centered approach, professional care, focused guidance, comfort, and support to those with mental health issues.
Whether you're suffering from a mental illness, struggling with wanting to boost your self-esteem, or simply feeling alone or overwhelmed with life changes, we are here to help you.
Our licensed counselors have decades of extensive experience facilitating individual, group, and family sessions using evidence-based practices.
Remember, you don't have to deal with it alone. We are here to help. Call us today at (303) 209-1064. We want to help you feel better soon.