CT Psychotherapy Guild, CT psychotherapists, Connecticut therapists, CT therapists, Therapists in CT, Find a therapist in Connecticut, Find a therapist in CT, Couples counseling in Connecticut, Couples counseling in CT, Couples therapy in Connecticut, Couples therapy in CT, Marriage counseling in Connecticut, Marriage counseling in CT, Child and adolescent therapy in Connecticut, Child and adolescent therapy in CT, Depression in Connecticut, Depression in CT, Anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders in Connecticut, Anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders in CT, Divorce in Connecticut, Divorce in CT, Grief and loss in Connecticut, Grief and loss in CT, Trauma in Connecticut, Trauma in CT, Substance abuse in Connecticut, Substance abuse in CT, Eating disorders in Connecticut, Eating disorders in CT, Custody evaluation in Connecticut, Custody evaluation in CT, Bipolar disorder in Connecticut, Bipolar disorder in CT, Career issues in Connecticut, Career issues in CT, Douglas Bunnell, Kathleen Conway, Trish Dayan, Wendy Eisenberg, Marta Elders, Andrea Goodman, Robert Horwitz, Peter Kane, Binnie Klein, Patricia Klein, Jay Lasser, Bruce Levi, Michele Lucas, Deborah Mazza, Rita McCleary, Kim Oliver, Elizabeth Prete, Frank Safran, Annita Sawyer, Marilyn Silverman, Jane Sturges, Richard Zelisko
F.A.Q.
About the Guild & Insurance  About Psychotherapy
About Psychotherapy

How much does psychotherapy help?
When do children or adolescents need therapy?
What about brief therapy?
What about “chemical imbalances” and medication?

How much does psychotherapy help?
It is usually very helpful, depending on the severity and type of problem, and the type and length of treatment.

Studies show that, on average, people with emotional or interpersonal problems who use psychotherapy do better than those who don’t.  The amount of improvement depends on the person, the type of therapy, the length of therapy, the type of problem, and the skill of the therapist.  Some people are able to completely resolve the specific issues they came to therapy to address. 

In other instances, psychotherapy helps a person learn to cope with issues that cannot be completely resolved.  In many of these situations, it does not make sense to think of the person as “sick” when they start psychotherapy or as “cured” when they finish.  It is more useful to think of therapy as having helped the individual grow, improve, gain insight or solve specific problems.

When a person suffers from chronic mental illness, psychotherapy helps the person to cope with the illness.  In many cases, the symptoms and problems cannot be completely alleviated.  But here, psychotherapy is helpful because it can be important in improving the quality of the person’s life.

It takes time to build a relationship of trust and understanding with a therapist.  This is probably one of the reasons that a Consumer Reports survey found that, while most people found some relief in both brief and longer therapies, those who stayed in therapy for more than six months reported the most improvement.  Other research has also found that people who stay in treatment for longer periods report greater gains than those who receive treatment for shorter periods of time.

Insurance companies tend to favor very brief treatment (3-8 sessions) in order to reduce costs.  You and your therapist together are in the best position to decide whether your particular issues would best be addressed in longer treatment.  Each person and each situation is unique.  The amount of improvement you should expect is something to discuss with your therapist.
Back to Top

When do children or adolescents need therapy?
When their problems or symptoms seem unusually prolonged or serious.

One of the myths about children is that they are more adaptable than adults and less affected by problems.  The opposite is true—children and adolescents have fewer coping skills and less control over themselves or their environments.  They are less able to talk about their problems and may show their distress in a variety of ways.  They may be irritable, have sleeping problems, eating problems, personality changes, or physical complaints. They may take more risks, have problems in school, or have problems making or keeping friends.  Adolescents have the added problems of struggling with issues of who they are and how independent they want to be.  All this occurs as they are experiencing their sexuality in more intense ways and being exposed to life and its hazards outside the family.

Every child and adolescent will be distressed at times.  How does a parent know when psychotherapy is indicated?  This depends on how severely distressed a child is, how long the child is distressed, the child’s personal ability to handle the specific problems and what kind of help is available.  Therapists who specialize in children and adolescents can help evaluate the need for therapy.  If therapy is indicated, the therapist may work in several different ways: with parents and teachers, with the family, or by seeing the child alone.
Back to Top

What about brief therapy?
Sometimes it is the right choice, but there are important issues to consider.

Brief therapy works well for many people, but it is not appropriate for all people or all types of problems.  Sometimes a therapist can help individuals or families change very quickly.  A few visits can be helpful, for example, if you are dealing with a temporary crisis or specific, well-defined problem.  However, complex, long-standing problems may need more time.

Therapists generally work with their clients in determining the approach and pace of therapy.  As an informed consumer, you should ask your therapist about what to expect about the length of treatment, how to tell if you are on the right track and how you will know when it is time to end treatment.  The most important consideration is how well your personal goals are met.

Many insurance companies encourage almost everyone to use a very brief therapy lasting only a few sessions.  If you have experienced brief therapy without feeling satisfied in the outcome, a longer-term therapy may be prove helpful.
Back to Top

What about “chemical imbalances” and medication?
Medication can be useful in getting relief from specific symptoms, but usually works best in combination with psychotherapy.

There has been tremendous progress in the last fifty years in our understanding of the biological basis of mental illness and emotional problems in general.  In the last ten years, many medications have been developed which can help with a wide range of symptoms.  Although medications can be enormously helpful, they usually provide only partial relief of problems.  Some problems respond well to medication alone, others to psychotherapy, and still others to a combination of the two.

Medications, however, are not for everybody.  There are always potential side effects to consider.  Some people prefer to avoid all medications.  Others who have tried medication have had unpleasant side effects or have found that medication is not worthwhile.

It is important to be an informed consumer.  If your therapist is not trained to prescribe medication, ask him or her for information, advice, and a referral to a psychiatrist or specially trained nurse for a medication evaluation.  Ask your medical doctor for advice as well.  Get as much information as possible about the different treatments for your  problem before making your decision.
Back to Top