Talk Therapy

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 23.1 percent of adults in the United States live with a mental illness. This  study also found that, of the 59.3 million adults with any form of mental illness, only 30 million adults in 2022 reported receiving mental health treatment in the previous year.

Mental illness rates have increased in recent decades. Depending on the type and severity, mental health conditions can have a significant impact on someone’s life, making it difficult to connect with those around them and fulfill responsibilities. However, if you or a loved one are suffering with mental health, help is available.

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is one of the most common types of mental health treatment, alongside medication. Psychotherapy can come in a variety of forms, and it can be a beneficial treatment approach for different types of mental health conditions.

What is Talk Therapy?

At its core, talk therapy is a scheduled time for individuals to discuss their concerns, struggles, and experiences with a licensed healthcare professional without any judgment or bias in a safe, confidential setting. For those navigating the challenges of a mental health disorder, talk therapy provides an opportunity to learn how to identify negative patterns and learn positive skills for the future.

Individuals participating in talk therapy may:

• Learn how to better understand their emotions, including how to recognize and communicate what they’re feeling
• Identify and work through previous traumas that may be fueling struggles in their current day-to-day life
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety
• Begin working to break unhealthy habits
• Pinpoint any triggers and learn how to work through them

What is accomplished in talk therapy depends on the individual and their unique needs. It can also vary based on how actively the individual participates in and responds to each session. No form of mental health treatment is a one-size-fits-all solution, and while talk therapy can be a helpful, some individuals may find it more beneficial than others.

Talk Therapy vs Counseling

Oftentimes, the terms “talk therapy” and “counseling” are used interchangeably. However, while communication is an essential component of both, they aren’t the same.

Both talk therapy and counseling can be beneficial, helping individuals overcome challenges in their lives. However, talk therapy tends to focus on long-term or recurring problems, such as mental health disorders, while counseling instead focuses on short-term challenges. Talk therapy is also delivered by a healthcare provider, while counseling may be guided by a provider or other sources like religious leaders.

In 2019, 19.2 percent of adults received any form of mental health treatment, include 9.5 percent who received therapy or counseling. Overall, both talk therapy and counseling may be used in mental health treatment or to address different concerns. Both approaches are held in a safe, confidential environment where patients can freely talk and receive the essential help they need to grow.

What is Talk Therapy Used to Treat?

Many people associate talk therapy with mental health disorders. While this form of treatment can be effective at treating mental illnesses, it can also be used to work through other concerns such grief.

Here are some of the concerns that talk therapy may be used to treat:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders (SUD)

Psychotherapy can be tailored to the unique needs of each individual, addressing their personal preferences and experiences. It can also be a component of a more comprehensive, holistic treatment plan designed to treat the individual as a whole that pairs talk therapy with other approaches. As a result, it may be used for a wide range of mental health disorders and concerns, including those not listed above.

The Benefits of Talk Therapy

When used appropriately with positive responses, talk therapy can produce a wide range of benefits. However, it’s important to note that each individual may respond to talk therapy differently. As a result, the benefits you may experience can vary based on the type of talk therapy used and how beneficial it is for your unique situation.

Some of the common benefits patients experience while participating in talk therapy can include:

• Better stress management and coping mechanisms
• A greater understanding of one’s thoughts and feelings
• The ability to choose between individual and group talk therapy
• Improved emotional awareness and expression
• Strategies for improving communication and fostering healthy relationships
• The potential to reduce symptoms of mental health disorders
• Self-discovery and growth

Types of Talk Therapy

There are several different types of talk therapy available, each one with a different set of techniques and goals. Below, discover some of the talk therapies we provide.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy. A 2022 publication for the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that there were nearly 2 million registered appointments for CBT in 2021.

This talk therapy approach focuses on helping individuals understand the connection between their thoughts and actions. During sessions, the therapist will guide patients through recognizing harmful thoughts and beliefs and understanding how this can impact their day-to-day behaviors.

Next, individuals participating in cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on replacing these unhealthy thoughts and behaviors with healthy options, teaching individuals invaluable skills and coping mechanisms.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) includes many of the key aspects of CBT. In fact, this treatment approach combines CBT principles with those of Zen. The focus of this psychotherapy is to guide individuals in living a life they find worth living. It can help individuals navigate and manage intense emotions while also teaching them how to improve personal relationships and develop healthier coping mechanisms for everyday life.

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is an action-based therapy that, like traditional CBT, helps individuals identify unhealthy thoughts or beliefs and replace them with a healthy mindset.

The Important of Trauma-Informed Care in Talk Therapy

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 70 percent of people around the world will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Although only a small percentage of these individuals develop PTSD, trauma can still a key aspect of many people’s lives, impacting their thought processes or even increasing susceptibility to other mental health conditions.

As a result, trauma-informed care is essential when navigating mental illnesses and treatment. Here, we recognize the impact that trauma can play on substance use disorder and other mental health disorders, and we pride ourselves on offering care that is sensitive to patients’ histories.

Can Talk Therapy Be Used With Other Treatments?

Talk therapy can be beneficial for many people, although the exact effectiveness may vary. As a result, it is often used in combination with other types of treatments, including medication and holistic approaches.

By combining talk therapy with other treatments, it allows for patients to engage in a comprehensive plan that addresses them as a whole person. This can be especially true for those that are navigating substance use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment can target the symptoms of withdrawal, helping individuals better focus on their treatment, while approaches like talk therapy target the root causes of addiction and substance use.

Along with other professionally-administered treatments, talk therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be combined with lifestyle changes. Talk therapy can encourage individuals to adapt healthy habits, such as prioritizing hygiene and a balanced diet.

Overall, the combination of talk therapy and other treatments or lifestyle changes can help create a more individualized approach to recovery.

Potential Drawbacks to Talk Therapy

Although many people may experience benefits when participating in talk therapy, everyone’s mental health journey is unique to them. The exact results of any treatment can vary based on several factors, including those related to the individual. As a result, it may not be the right approach for everyone, and not everyone will receive the same benefits.

If you or a loved one are considering talk therapy, here are a few potential drawbacks you may wish to keep in mind:

• Limited suitability for severe mental health illnesses as a standalone treatment: Although talk therapy can be used alone, it may not be as effective in treating more severe conditions without the use of other complementary treatments as well
• Large time commitment: An individual may need talk therapy for several weeks or even months to see substantial progress. As a result, it may not be the right option for those who are unable to currently make a large time commitment.
• Cost barrier: Although insurance and assistance programs can help, many people may still have out-of-pocket expenses for talk therapy. It can also be costly for those without insurance, or those whose insurance doesn’t cover psychotherapy.
• Lack of effectiveness without active participation: Talk therapy is not a passive process. In order to achieve the most out of a psychotherapy session, it’s important that patients are actively participating in their treatment. Patients will also need to commit to practicing the tactics learned in therapy outside of sessions as well.