Therapy for Mental Health in Maryland

CBT focuses on changing negative thought and behavior patterns. A therapist will help you identify harmful thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more realistic ones. CBT can be effective for disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

DBT combines CBT with mindfulness and focuses on emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. It helps you accept yourself, build coping strategies, and navigate relationships. DBT is often used for borderline personality disorder, but it can help with other conditions as well.

This approach uses guided questions and conversations to build your internal motivation for change. A therapist will explore your ambivalence about change and help you determine your goals and values. Motivational interviewing works well for substance abuse and other addictive disorders.

Individual therapy is a one-on-one mental health treatment where a person works with a therapist to address personal challenges and improve their well-being through insights and coping strategies.

Group therapy involves a small number of individuals, led by a therapist, discussing and exploring emotional issues together. It fosters mutual support and shared understanding and provides a supportive environment for insight, coping strategies, and personal growth.

In the first session, the therapist typically conducts an initial assessment to understand your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. You may be asked about your personal history, family, relationships, work, and any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Therapists are obligated to maintain confidentiality, which implies that they are unable to reveal any information you share with them unless there is a potential danger to yourself or others. They will usually explain the limits of confidentiality during the first session.

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is crucial. You should feel comfortable, safe, and supported by your therapist. Establishing trust is a crucial component of the process.

Therapists use different approaches and techniques based on their training and the specific needs of the individual, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and various others.

Together with your therapist, you’ll identify specific goals for therapy. These goals help guide the therapeutic process and give you a sense of direction and progress.

Sessions are usually scheduled on a regular basis, such as weekly or biweekly. The duration of therapy varies depending on the nature and severity of the issues being addressed.

Some therapists may assign homework or suggest activities to do between sessions to reinforce what is discussed during therapy.

Effective communication is key. You’re encouraged to express your thoughts and feelings openly, and the therapist will provide feedback and guidance.

Therapy often involves exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to gain insight into patterns and underlying issues. This self-discovery can lead to positive changes.

The therapeutic process is adaptable to your needs. If something isn’t working for you or if your goals change, it’s important to communicate that with your therapist.