What Is Psychotherapy and Is It Effective?

For decades, psychotherapy has been a trusted, tried-and-true treatment for mental health issues. But what exactly is it, and how does it measure up in today’s world of advanced medicine and mental health treatments? 

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora and Chicago, Illinois, and Las Vegas, Nevada, our team, including Lawrence Abah, PMHNP-BC, and Ugochi Ohale, LCPC, specializes in psychotherapy and modern treatment techniques for various mental health needs.

Here’s a look at some of the recent research about psychotherapy.

Demystifying psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a two-way process where you work with trained mental health professionals to address your emotional and psychological challenges. Through one-on-one or group conversations, psychotherapy helps you discover the underlying cause of your mental health issue.

Multiple approaches to psychotherapy exist, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): identifies and changes negative thought patterns
• Motivational interviewing: fosters personal motivation
• Supportive therapy: provides encouragement and empathy through life’s challenges 
• Faith integration: incorporates proven spiritual and religious aspects into therapy

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, we tailor your psychotherapy plan to your needs.

Does psychotherapy work?

There’s a reason why psychotherapy is still one of the most widely used forms of mental healthcare: it works. Here’s what recent research shows:

The impact on mental health conditions

Studies confirm that psychotherapy helps resolve all kinds of mental and behavioral health issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder, and it delivers excellent results we can measure.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychotherapy coupled with medication is more effective than medication alone for depression. For anxiety, psychotherapy may be more effective than medication, and adding drugs to your treatment plan may not improve your results.

Long-lasting outcomes

Unlike medical treatments, which often require continued use, the results of psychotherapy tend to last well beyond the course of treatment because it imparts life skills that help you manage your mental health.

For example, if you learn how to cope with anxiety, control your emotions, and communicate better during therapy, you won’t need medication to mask your symptoms.

Fewer side effects

Another advantage psychotherapy holds over medication is the minimal risk of harmful physical side effects. Some drugs can cause fatigue, nausea, or dependency, but talk therapy leads to empowerment, introspection, and changed behavior.

Key findings from research

Recent studies affirm psychotherapy’s critical role in modern mental healthcare. Key findings include:

• 75% of people who participate in psychotherapy show improvement
• Psychotherapy triggers positive changes in the body and brain
• Psychotherapy decreases dependency on medication
• After psychotherapy, people have fewer medical problems and take fewer sick days
• Psychotherapy often matches or outperforms drug treatments in effectiveness
• Psychotherapy reduces morbidity and mortality rates
• Psychotherapy improves work productivity and relationships

While psychotherapy alone is effective, combining it with medication is often the most powerful strategy. A dual approach addresses symptoms on multiple fronts.

Our holistic edge 

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We create unique treatment plans, ensuring your therapy aligns with your experiences, goals, and preferences.

From incorporating faith-based counseling for those seeking spiritual integration to employing cutting-edge methods like CBT and motivational interviewing, we strive to provide accessible, compassionate care, whether in person or via telehealth appointments.

Should you try psychotherapy?

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward in life, psychotherapy could be the solution. Whether you have a specific mental health concern or are navigating a stressful change, therapy offers the tools and support you need to foster growth and healing.

Call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy or book an appointment online today to get started.