Month: May 2011

From stress-related issues to a more acute mental illness such as bipolar disorder, psychological problems are wide-ranging in their symptoms and severity levels.

When determining which treatment route that an individual struggling with mental health problems should take, the first step should be a psychiatric evaluation conducted by a mental health professional. Once the problem is pinpointed, usually some level of “talk therapy” will ensue.

Depending on the severity of the condition, a combination of psychotherapy and medication are often central to a patient’s treatment plan.

If medications are deemed necessary, a patient might have to try several different types before finding one that adequately treats and stabilizes their symptoms.

Research and case studies have proven that medications can be a vital component in improving a patient’s mental well-being. But the importance of an experienced therapist who can guide a patient toward an improved mental outlook cannot be overstated.

Why Psychotherapy?

For many of us, it is difficult to understand how the person who seemingly has it all —

looks, intelligence and some level of “success” — can be so anguished on the inside. There could be several reasons as to why this anguish has developed, such as a phobia, major traumatic experience or genetic predisposition to a mental illness.

How Treatment Helps

One benefit some individuals who have participated in psychotherapy treatment have experienced is an increased self-awareness of their mental health problems. By having an enhanced understanding of the reason or source of their mental anguish, patients are often able to better process their thoughts, feelings and perceptions.

A good psychotherapist can lead a patient toward perspective and help them achieve a sense of peace in their lives by confronting the issues responsible for the fear, anxiety and self-doubt in question.