What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor
who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental
disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety
disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders
and adjustment disorders. Biologic, psychological, and social
components of illnesses are explored and understood in the treatment of the
whole person. Tools used may include diagnostic laboratory tests,
prescribed medications, evaluation and treatment of psychological and
interpersonal problems with individuals and families, and intervention for
coping with stress, crises, and other problems.
What are some examples of complex medical illnesses in which
psychiatric illness or psychological factors may affect a
person's medical care or quality of life?
These include both acute and chronic stages of many medical problems.
Included are the following: heart disease, renal disease,
cancer, organ transplantation, autoimmune disease, spinal disorders, seizure
disorders, high-risk pregnancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, gastrointestinal disorders, consequences of plastic
surgery, and HIV infection amongst others.
Is medication the answer?
In some cases medication alone or
in combination with psychotherapy is the right course of
action. Working with a psychiatrist, you can determine what's best for
you. Often, the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems
and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead
of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress
and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve
sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative
approach to wellness.
Is psychotherapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons
why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing
psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other
times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a
divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a
psychiatrist as they pursue their own personal exploration and
growth. Working with a psychiatrist can help provide insight, support,
and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help
address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief,
stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions.
Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of
their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and
working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need psychotherapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have
successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's
nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In
fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they
need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are
taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a
commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy
provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to
avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever
challenges you face.
How can psychotherapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in
psychotherapy. Psychiatrists can provide support, problem-solving
skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression,
anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress
management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also
find that psychiatrists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal
growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and
the hassles of daily life. Psychiatrists 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 is psychotherapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their
specific goals. It is standard for psychiatrists to discuss the
primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It
is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts
around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a
specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing
personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain
actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or
keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important
to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life
between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an
active participant, both during and between the sessions. People
seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions,
work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.
Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance