Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” is a collaborative form of treatment in which you meet regularly with a psychologist. Rooted in dialogue, psychotherapy provides a supportive atmosphere where you can work through problems with an objective professional.
Therapy is the interaction between a person and a therapist. The ultimate goal of therapy is to create change. Change can come through many different mechanisms and forms of therapy depending on the condition. At a very basic level, there is a maladaptive circuit that needs to be weakened and an adaptive circuit that needs to be strengthened through the interactions between the patient and therapist.
Many people believe that all that therapy involves is talking about issues and problems in one’s life. Therapy done in this form, however, tends to essentially meander along without any significant goals. To us at Contemporary Care, therapy has three critical components.
Having a strong alliance with the patient is very important, and a lot of this has to do with transferential issues. Sometimes even the best of therapists may not be the best suited for a given patient. If a patient doesn’t feel a sufficient alliance, it’s important for him/her to therapy shop until he/she feels comfortable with a therapist, because that comfort sets the stage for developing a useful transference to work with.
Insight, is what I call the “detective” phase. Here, you work with patient to identify what the main problems are, what the patterns of behavior that drive the problems are, what the core early conflicts that lead to these patterns are, and what the possible changes that are necessary are.
This is the coaching phase where, once the potential solutions have been discovered, it takes a tremendous amount of practice for those solutions (behavioral changes) to become automatic. Just knowing how to ride a bicycle does not help one ride it until he practices. So the behavioral changes that one learns need to be practiced and discussed until there is actual change achieved.
In psychodynamic therapy, such as psychoanalysis, the therapist acts like a blank slate with very little involvement. The patients get to deal with the transference toward the therapist that is critical in their lives. They can then work their way through that transference with minimal involvement and guidance by the therapist. This is an intense form of therapy that is done every day. Change can take years but when it does, the transformation is profound and lifelong.
Supportive therapy is reserve for patients, who are more ill and vulnerable. They need reassurance, advice and support by the therapist who is actively involved and engaged in advising them. Supportive therapy also should have some critical pragmatic elements to it. If the advice being provided by the therapist does nothing to change the life of a patient, it can damage his/her life. It is important to be entrenched in theory but also have practical ideas to help patients. In certain situations, time is critical – far more so than in dynamic therapies. There has to be immediate changes to help the patient through a difficult situation. Once the critical situation has passed and the patient has stabilized, they may then be suitable for more of a psychodynamic therapy.
CBT is a type of psychological treatment that has been proven to be effective for a range of issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. CBT is a highly effective form of psychotherapy for many psychological issues. It is based on the premise that understanding and changing negative thoughts, maladaptive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation can lead to improvements in mood and functioning. Each individual’s treatment plan may vary, but the overall objective is to empower the person with the skills to manage their mental health independently over the long term.
CBT is a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help individuals who experience intense emotions and struggle with self-destructive behaviors, often associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is also proven to be effective for treating: chronic suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors, substance use disorders, binge-eating and bulimia, and PTSD. DBT is a comprehensive, evidence-based therapy that addresses severe mental health issues by helping patients develop coping skills. It is particularly effective for individuals who struggle with regulating emotions.
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several patients at the same time. This type of therapy can be used to address a wide range of psychological problems and interpersonal issues. Group therapy is an effective and versatile approach to psychotherapy that provides unique benefits through the shared experiences and mutual support of its members.
In couple’s therapy it is important for the therapist to teach patients about the mechanisms behind relationships. If you and your partner or spouse are struggling with conflicts, distress or communication challenges, or simply wish to strengthen intimacy and connection, couples therapy can help. When couples meet regularly with a therapist, they often find the presence of an objective “outside party” helpful as they navigate relationship challenges. Couple’s therapy provides a constructive framework for couples to work through their differences, develop better communication and problem-solving skills, and strengthen their overall relationship.
If you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that are holding you back from living your best life our psychotherapy practice is here to provide you with the support and tools you need to navigate life’s challenges and create positive change. Our team of dedicated therapists are experienced in a variety of therapeutic approaches and are committed to helping you achieve your personal goals and improve your mental well-being.
Psychotherapy can be helpful to most anyone experiencing emotional challenges or who feels the need for emotional support. Signs you may really benefit from the treatment include:
At our practice, we offer a warm and welcoming environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental space. Our therapists specialize in a range of issues, including:
At a time when most therapists do not accept insurance, we are an anomaly. We take all insurances so that benefits of therapy and counseling are available to all levels of income and all backgrounds.
Individual psychotherapy usually involves weekly or biweekly sessions with your therapist, each lasting about 45-50 minutes. The trained and experienced psychologists at Contemporary Care draw on a variety of approaches and strive to provide a confidential, safe, and supportive environment aimed at developing effective therapy relationships with each patient.
Empower your healing journey today. Your path to renewed hope and mental well-being starts here.
