Counseling is also known as Psychotherapy or “Therapy” Phoenix, AZ, Arcadia, Biltmore, and paradise valley

Psychotherapy is another name for counseling.

Science demonstrates that psychotherapy is more durable and effective over the long term than medication when provided by a skilled therapist. The Norwegian Health Authorities have issued new guidelines regarding the treatment of mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stating that psychological interventions, not medications, should be used first. In fact, psychotherapy not only is more cost-effective, but it also results in fewer relapses of anxiety and mild to moderate depression than medication use alone. (Brownawell & Kelley, Monitor on Psychology, October 2011, Vol 42, No. 9)

Not only is psychotherapy widely practiced, it is effective:

Psychotherapy is another name for counseling.

People who receive psychotherapy experience far better results than they would have if they had not had it (Lambert & Ogles, 2004; Wampold, 2001, 2007).

Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in clinical trials for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, marital dissatisfaction, substance abuse, health issues (including smoking, pain, and eating disorders), and sexual dysfunction, with populations ranging from children to elders (Chambless et al., 1998).

In fact, psychotherapy outperforms a number of well-known but pricey medical procedures, such as interventions in asthma, geriatric medicine, and cardiology treatments (Wampold, 2007). For many depressive and anxiety disorders, psychotherapy is as effective as or more successful than psychotropic medications (Hollon, Stewart, & Strunk, 2006; Imel, Malterer, McKay, & Wampold, 2008), and it has a lower relapse rate than drugs.

Additionally, results from actual therapeutic practice are comparable to those from clinical trials of psychotherapy (Minami & Wampold, 2008).

A short list of what Counseling can help with:

Counseling may be used to address the following concerns:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Panic Disorder

• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

• The effects of Trauma

• Postpartum depression

• Relationship issues

• Low self-esteem

• Family conflict

• Partnership/ Marriage / Couples issues

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

• Eating Disorders (make sure you also see a doctor/ dietician)

• Anger and Irritability

• Narcissistic abuse wounds

• Emotional neglect

• Complicated grief

• Alcohol and Marijuana Overuse

• Life transitions (such as moving, job less, break ups, etc.)

• and much much more!

American Psychological Association released a resolution and statement on Counseling

More than 50 peer-reviewed research documenting psychotherapy's effectiveness in treating a range of health concerns and with a number of demographics, including children, members of minority groups, and the elderly, are included in the American Psychological Association's resolution on the subject.

• Psychotherapy is useful for a range of mental and behavioral health conditions and across a spectrum of population groups, according to research. In general, psychotherapy has more positive outcomes than many medical procedures.

• Psychotherapy lowers disability, morbidity, and mortality; improves work functioning; and lowers psychiatric hospitalization, according to extensive multi-site and meta-analytic investigations.

• Psychotherapy gives individuals life skills that stick with them after finishing their treatment. Psychotherapy results typically outlast psychopharmacological treatments and almost never have negative side effects.

• While medicine is sometimes necessary to treat depression and anxiety, research indicates that the most successful treatments for these conditions frequently involve a mix of medication and psychotherapy. It should be mentioned that the outcomes produced by psychotherapy are frequently on par with or superior to those produced by medication therapies for the same problems, including those for various age groups and across a spectrum of mental and physical health disorders.

  • (Research Shows Psychotherapy Is Effective But Underutilized, American Psychological Association, August 9, 2012)

Clinical studies have demonstrated that psychotherapy is just as effective for treating depression and anxiety as psychiatric drugs without the unfavorable side effects like weight gain, sleep issues, and libido loss. So why is it that so many people who are displaying psychological discomfort are given medication first and psychotherapy second, if at all?

It is alarming to learn that more and more people are receiving psychiatric pharmaceutical treatment, despite psychotherapy's efficacy and safety. The cause for this phenomena is complicated and deeply ingrained in the American health care system. First, the pharmaceutical industry spends excessive amounts of money promoting psychiatric drugs to doctors and the general public, creating the impression that mental illnesses are caused by "chemical imbalances in the brain" that are easily corrected by drugs.

Second, a growing proportion of mental diseases are being treated in primary care settings, where primary care doctors are educated to dispense medications but not in effective psychotherapies. Third, psychotropic drugs imply that the issue is biological, absolving the patient of accountability for their behavior. It is easier to take a medication and get on with one's life than to acknowledge that changing requires conscious, deliberate effort.

• (How Psychotherapy Works, American Psychological Association, Dec 22, 2009)

So what makes a good therapist?

According to the study, Wampold proved that a good therapist:

Possesses a comprehensive range of social abilities.

Builds the client's belief, trust, and comprehension.

Has a working partnership with the client.

Has a decent and sensible justification for the client's situation.

Has a therapeutic strategy and permits flexibility.

Is convincing, persuasive, and influential.

The progress of the client is tracked.

Offers optimism and hope (realistic optimism, not Pollyanna-ish).

Understands the environment of the client and how it affects them.

Is thoughtful and reflective.

Uses the latest available research in learning about counseling techniques.

Participates in continuing education.

• (Brownawell & Kelley, Monitor on Psychology, October 2011, Vol 42, No. 9)