It can be hard to know when it is time to reach out for help and even more daunting figuring out who you should seek help from. This article explores some frequent questions that people who are ready to get help might have.
How Do You Know When It's Time To Reach Out To A Psychologist For Help?
If you are having strong emotions or symptoms of anxiety or depression that are interfering with your relationships, work, school, or your ability to find joy in your life, therapy may be necessary and helpful.
Sometimes people seek therapy when things are going well in their lives. In this case, therapy is used to help people function at an even higher level in the future and meet their full potential. Due to the disruptions and stresses associated with the pandemic, more people are seeking mental health assistance. Many practices, including my own, are offering teletherapy in addition to in-person therapy sessions.
What's The Difference Between A Psychiatrist And A Psychologist?
Both are doctors trained to help with mental health concerns. The main difference is that a psychiatrist is a doctor who can prescribe medications, while a psychologist holds a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology.
Psychologists use cognitive, behavioral, and/or brain-based techniques to help you increase insight into your problems and create a plan for change. If you are interested in creating positive changes for yourself without medication or if medication alone has not been helpful, a psychologist is the specialist to see.
I've Tried Therapy Before, And It Didn't Help. Does That Mean That Therapy Just Won't Work For Me?
Sometimes there might not be a good fit between therapist and client. This can interfere with effective treatment. One of the most important considerations when looking for a therapist is to find someone you feel comfortable with. It is necessary that you feel at ease as you must be willing to be completely open in order to receive the maximum benefit from treatment. It is normal for this to take a few sessions.
It is very important to seek out a therapist who will tailor treatment to your individual needs. No two therapists are exactly alike as all use differing evidence-based techniques.
What Are Some Of The Treatment Options That Differentiate Your Practice From Others?
Along with cognitive behavioral, family systems, and other integrative therapies, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). ART is used to rapidly decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. ART reprograms the way disturbing memories are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. Many clients report a significant decrease in symptoms in as few as one to three therapy sessions.
Generally, How Long Does It Take To Experience The Benefits Of Therapy?
Every person is different, and outcomes depend on a client's true motivation to feel better, willingness to be open during therapy, and commitment to attend sessions regularly. Most of my clients report a decrease in symptoms after two to three months of therapy. With the use of ART, I have seen positive outcomes for my clients in an even shorter time.
About the author
Dr. Dena (Annie) Dries is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with Perspectives in Balance, PLLC, serving families in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her practice is located at 2311 Mustang Dr, Suite 200, Grapevine, TX 76051.
For appointments, call (617) 957-9665.
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