7 Interesting Science-Based Benefits of Psychotherapy
Evidence BasedPsychotherapy is the practice of treating mental health conditions. It involves one’s interaction with a qualified therapist and aims to help the clients understand their thoughts and feelings better.
There are many different types of psychotherapy, including behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, etc. All of them have been proven to help overcome mental disorders and health issues with the aid of different methods. And since there are still some people who don’t believe in the effectiveness of this kind of treatment, we’ve gathered fascinating benefits of psychotherapy that are science-based. Find them out below!
Thinking of attending psychotherapy? Mango Clinic is there to help!
Psychotherapy Eliminates Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Psychotherapy treats a wide range of mental health issues. These include stress, depression, anxiety, and phobias, among others. Psychotherapy changes the structure of your brain and encourages neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself and form new neural connections. This makes it easier for you to cope with life’s stressors.
A follow-up study found that CBT was effective when used alone or combined with medication for treating panic disorder, social phobia, and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).
Psychotherapy Helps You Recover From PTSD
Psychotherapy can help you process and work through a traumatic event. You will also be able to understand your responses to the trauma. These include:
- Your thoughts
- Your feelings and behaviors
- Your physical reactions (such as having nightmares)
You will also learn new skills and techniques to cope with the traumatic experience. During the therapy sessions, you can discuss your experiences and hear recommendations from someone who is not involved but can relate to the situation. They provide support during discussions rather than give advice.
Psychotherapy Reduces Usage of Antihypertensive Medications
Psychotherapy can help people with hypertension reduce the usage of antihypertensive medications. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine also examined how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help lower blood pressure levels.
Thus, psychotherapy reduces reliance on medication. Besides, this has long-term effects on hypertensive patients. You should consider therapy if you are hypertensive or have a family member with the condition.
Psychotherapy Helps to Improve Relationships
Psychotherapy has been found to improve relationships in many ways. It can help you develop more satisfying relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Therapists help you recognize how your past can affect relationships. You will get guidance on how to change behaviors.
Psychotherapy can help people close to you understand your thoughts and feelings better. This leads to better communication between two people. It also lets you know how your actions affect others and what it would take for them to feel comfortable with you again.
Psychotherapy Reduces Compulsions and Obsessions
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often get stuck on specific thoughts or behaviors (obsessions) that make them feel driven to perform particular actions (compulsions). These behaviors may seem irrational, but they’re a way for one to reduce their stress by feeling in control. Psychotherapy treatment can help to change these behaviors and feel less distressed.
The effects of psychotherapy influence different areas of life. Enhance your relationships with our help!
Psychotherapy Makes Employees More Productive at Work
People suffering from depression or anxiety tend to be less productive at work. They have difficulty focusing on one task at a time, leading to inefficient use of time and energy. Psychotherapy helps people with this type of problem by assisting them to manage their emotions, understanding their thoughts, and addressing issues affecting them in the workplace.
Psychotherapy is a cost-effective way for companies to boost employee productivity, reduce employee turnover and improve their health while reducing absenteeism and improving morale. Employers may consider free therapy sessions for their employees as a part of their benefits package. In a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, employees who received therapy sessions were happier and more productive at work than those who did not attend it.
Psychotherapy Helps to Overcome Addictions
Psychotherapy is an essential component of a drug and alcohol treatment program. It can help you change your thoughts and address issues that lead to addiction. Psychotherapy helps reduce habits in several ways:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one effective psychotherapy for addictions. According to APA, CBT teaches you to understand your thoughts and feelings. You will learn how to change those thoughts when they’re harmful. CBT helps you recognize your cravings and teaches you how to cope, so you don’t act on them.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another therapy that can help you recover from addiction. DBT teaches skills like:
- mindfulness
- distress tolerance
- interpersonal effectiveness
These skills will help you cope with stressors in your life without using drugs or alcohol.
There are many more types of psychotherapy treatments that help with addictions. If you have any habits, seek help from a psychotherapist.
Facts and Statistics about Psychotherapy
According to the American Psychological Association, about one-third to one-half of Americans will seek mental health care in their lifetime. Americans spend about $13 billion on psychotherapy each year. This is good news for anyone considering therapy. From the statistics, most people can get convinced of the importance of taking care of mental health issues and getting help when needed. If you have always wondered why psychotherapy is important, then the statistics will come in handy.
Research carried out established the following psychotherapy facts:
- The relationship between a client and a therapist determines how effective the treatment will be at the end of the sessions. Besides, psychotherapy treatment may involve other activities apart from talking to your therapist, such as outdoor activities.
- Most people who receive treatment for mental health issues first try therapy before medication. According to a literature study (J Clin Psychiatry, 2013 June), most patients prefer psychotherapy to pharmacological treatment. The respondents said that they found therapy more essential.
- Psychotherapy is a consistent and reliable way to improve symptoms associated with mental health. A meta-analysis of various studies found that psychotherapy reduces:
- depression
- anxiety
- psychosis symptoms
- suicide risk in people with schizophrenia.
How Is Psychotherapy More Effective Than Other Mental Health Treatments
Research on the effectiveness of psychotherapy indicates that its effects last long after it’s over. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that participants who received psychotherapy for depression showed improvements up to six months after the treatment ended. Psychotherapists often talk about “working through” problems, meaning that the patient becomes more able to deal with those problems outside the therapeutic setting.
Psychotherapy will help people of all ages, from kids to senior adults. Besides, psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than the alternative in several ways. It works better than antidepressant drugs. The therapy sessions also reduce the side effects of drugs used for mental disorders.
Conclusion
Psychotherapy sessions will help you overcome mental disorders and cognitive impairments. The therapy can also help you develop a stronger sense of self and improve your well-being. At Mango Clinic, you can attend therapy sessions with a licensed professional, understand your goals, and achieve them efficiently.
