Teresa Sweeney, Ph.D.

Why do people consider psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional such as a psychologist who is licensed and trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the U.S. experience an emotional or substance abuse problem.  Nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.

How do I find a qualified therapist?

Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter.  A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person.  There are several ways to get referrals to qualified therapists, including the following:

--Ask your primary care physician for a referral.  Tell the doctor what's important to you in choosing a therapist so he or she can make appropriate suggestions.

--Many state psychological associations operate referral services which put individuals in touch with licensed and competent mental health providers.

--Talk to close family members and friends for their recommendations, especially if they have had a good experience with psychotherapy.

*from the American Psychological Association Help Center (www.apahelpcenter.org).

What does research show about the effectiveness of psychotherapy?

Research suggests that therapy effectively decreases patients' depression and anxiety and related symptoms--such as pain, fatigue and nausea.  Psychotherapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body's immune system.  Research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall health status.

There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of psychotherapy are far better off than untreated individuals with emotional difficulties.  One major study showed that 50 percent of patients noticeably improved after eight sessions while 75 percent of individuals in therapy improved by the end of six months.