What is psychotherapy?
If you’ve ever been upset about something, but felt better after “getting it off your chest,” then you already know that talking about a problem can help you come to a solution.
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that empowers and enables people to address problems and difficulties by processing thoughts, emotions, and feelings in a safe, controlled environment. The psychotherapist is a mental and behavioral health practitioner who has specialized knowledge and expertise in human development, growth, and behavior.
What is psychotherapy good for?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for a wide variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What can I expect?
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to psychotherapy. You and your therapist will first meet to discuss your reasons for coming to therapy, as well as your goals and your strengths. Based on the issues you bring, your therapist will explain which approaches are best suited for your treatment. Together, you and your therapist make a plan for moving forward that is crafted specifically for you and your goals.
Therapy happens in a private, quiet, serene and comfortable space. People generally meet with the therapist once a week, for 50 minutes. However, some people opt to meet more frequently if they are in crisis, or if they want the treatment to progress more quickly than once a week therapy. It is up to you and your therapist to decide what is best for you and your treatment.
Ashley Mader practices psychotherapy and sex therapy at CLINIC Tuesdays 11am- 7pm and Thursdays 10am- 6pm. She accepts insurance from BCBS, Commonwealth Care Alliance, HNE, and Medicare.
Mary Kolodny schedules her own appointments, outside of our system, on Mondays 12- 8pm and Saturdays 10am- 3pm at CLINIC. Please contact her via email at firstname.lastname@example.org or by phone at 857.498.7454. She accepts insurance from BCBS of MA (all products).