Therapist

Psychotherapy can be an intimidating word that frequently makes the idea of seeking therapy unapproachable.  However, millions of people all over the world benefit greatly from seeing a counselor or therapist.

So what exactly is psychotherapy?  If images of mental hospitals, electric shock therapy, and being loaded up on a heavy pill regiment flashed through your mind, you are not alone in your thoughts.  As stated earlier, the word psychotherapy can be threatening but, in reality, psychotherapy is simply talk therapy.  That’s it!  There is nothing bad or scary about it!  In fact, talking with a trained therapist or counselor has helped millions of Americans by clarifying their problems and allowing them to gain insight into their feelings and behaviors.

Counselors and therapists also help patients deal with and overcome unstable or negative emotions such as sadness, grief, stress, loss and fear.  We are all faced with problems, whether they are as trivial as day to day decisions or as serious as dramatic life changes.  A trained counselor or therapist can help talk you through any of these difficulties and help you overcome any problems you may have.

So, who needs psychotherapy…or better yet, who needs talk therapy?  The National Mental Health Association suggests people should see a counselor or therapist when:

  • They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
  • Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
  • Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
  • They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.
  • They are having problems with interpersonal relationships. Talk therapy brings concrete results for many people. Research shows emotional and physical health are closely linked, and that therapy can improve a person’s overall health.

The National Mental Health Association has also stated that over 80% of people who talk to a counselor or therapist about their problems have effectively decreased depression and anxiety, and related symptoms such as pain, fatigue and nausea.

If the idea of talking about your personal issues with a counselor or therapist in person bothers you, there are new platforms available that could help.  One increasingly popular way to speak with a counselor or therapist is through internet.  Online counselors and therapist are available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, and all from the comfort of your home.  So, where can you find these online therapists and counselors?