Why Pursue Psychotherapy? Through Psychotherapy, Counselors Assist People of All Ages In

Got Therapy?

Why pursue psychotherapy? Through psychotherapy, counselors assist people of all ages in living more joyous, healthier and productive lives. Therapy is often needed, it is effective, and it can naturally give lasting positive results (www.nationalpsychotherapyday.com).

Therapy is needed.

 It is estimated that over one in four adults experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. For children this estimate is one in ten (www.depts.washington.edu).  Research also indicates up to 50% of adults experience deep emotional difficulty at some point in their life (www.nationalpsychotherapyday.com).

“In this world there will be troubles” (John 16:33b). It is inevitable that at some point in life, everyone needs someone beyond a friend or family member who can help them find real healing from the invisible wounds of life. Many have benefitted from the caring support of a trained professional.

Therapy is effective.

Those who undergo therapy benefit with increased self-insight. Many report fewer negative emotional symptoms and experiencing a higher overall quality of life (www.nationalpsychotherapyday.com). Empirical studies have shown the effectiveness of psychotherapy for some time (http://horan.asu.edu/cpy702readings/seligman/seligman.html). • The results of psychotherapy can be long-lasting.

People who receive psychotherapy often continue to improve and flourish after the conclusion of therapy. Therapy can immediately help reduce distressing symptoms, but the goal is also to increase one’s understanding of underlying issues. This dynamic allows for ongoing personal growth, better decision-making, positive change, and improved relationships. Therapy consists of the application of scientifically validated procedures to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. The most common therapy approaches include cognitive-behavioral focus, interpersonal emphasis (focus on how one relates to others), and other types of talk therapy (www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy). All these approaches help individuals work through their problems.

Pursuing psychotherapy is a courageous choice for an improved life.

It is a choice for healing, healthy growth and change. The problems that brought the person in will be dealt with, and new skills will also be learned for continued better coping and thriving in the future.

Can therapy help you?

Here are some signs that help determine if someone may benefit from therapy (adapted from www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding- psychotherapy):

 an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness or sadness  problems don't seem to get better despite efforts and help from family and friends  difficulty concentrating on work/school assignments or other daily activities  excessive worry, expecting the worst, or constantly “on edge”  actions which may harm oneself or others (for example, addictions or excessive anger)  marriage issues don’t go away but only seem to worsen with time draining hope for a better relationship

Written by: Dr. Trina Young Greer, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Genesis Counseling Center www.GenesisCounselingCenter.com