Therapy is a powerful tool that can help people in all walks of life. It can help you to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can also help you to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions and situations.
There are many different types of therapy, so you can find one that is right for you. Some common types of therapy include:
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you to identify and change negative thought patterns.
● Psychodynamic therapy helps you to understand your unconscious thoughts and feelings.
● Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings and to focus on taking action.
There is a large body of scientific evidence that shows the benefits of therapy. For example, CBT has repeatedly been shown to decrease feelings of anxiety and depression over the course of a few months, and ACT has been found to have significant improvements in quality of life in those who suffer with chronic pain.
At the end of the day, (I don’t care who you are) there are things in your life that could be better. We all go through things that are difficult, that is just a fact of life.
Interestingly, we find that the people who most resist the idea of therapy are often the ones who could most benefit from it.
Throughout all of our lives, there are times and seasons (*note: I am not suggesting we all need to be in long term therapy throughout our whole life) when we could benefit from the added insight of a third-party (therapist) and an unbiased opinion. Taking the time to step back and assess ourselves/circumstances is fundamental in identifying and avoiding mistakes. While this assessment doesn’t necessarily require a therapist, the accountability sure does help.
You do not need to be in the depths of deep depression to benefit from psychotherapy; however, regardless of who you are, everyone could be doing something better in their lives.
So, is therapy for everyone? The answer is yes. Therapy can be helpful for people who are struggling with a variety of issues, including:
● Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
● Life transitions such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one.
● Personal growth such as learning how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, time management, or manage stress.
If you are thinking about therapy, we encourage you to reach out to our therapy group at Barrier Islands Psychiatry or another therapist in your area. Therapy can be a life-changing experience.
– Jordan Spencer, DO References regarding Changes in the brain before and after therapy.
● “Neuroplasticity and psychotherapy: The science of change.” This review article by Michael M. Posner and Mary K. Rothbart discusses the evidence for neuroplasticity in the context of psychotherapy. The authors argue that psychotherapy can lead to changes in brain structure and function, which can in turn lead to lasting improvements in psychological well-being.
● “Changes in brain structure and function associated with cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.” This study by Andrew M. Doidge and colleagues used fMRI to examine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on brain structure and function in people with depression. The authors found that CBT was associated with increased connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in emotion regulation and decision-making.
● “Change in amygdala volume associated with cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder.” This study by Michael J. Otto and colleagues used MRI to examine the effects of CBT on amygdala volume in people with social anxiety disorder. The authors found that CBT was associated with a decrease in amygdala volume, which is a region of the brain involved in fear and anxiety.
● Doidge, A. M., Lee, S. M., & Menon, V. (2016). Changes in brain structure and function associated with cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. Neuropsychopharmacology, 41(12), 2895-2903. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2016.139