Do you find that you struggle with your mental health or often just need someone to talk to? There are various mental health solutions that are catered to your specific needs and goals. While many use the words psychotherapy and therapy/counseling interchangeably because of overlapping methods, the two do have a few differences. Finding the right solution for you is a personal preference and Ketamine Health Centers aims to match you with the right type of sessions and medical professionals.
Therapy and Psychotherapy aim for the same outcome, are dependent on a strong relationship between patient and therapist, and rely on working through problems. The two are effective for a broad demographic, including adults and children. Different mental health professionals that conduct either therapy, psychotherapy, or both are tasked with understanding how their patients think, studying their behaviors, and helping them cultivate more positive futures for themselves and their loved ones. However, they have significant differences that are important to keep in mind when choosing which type of therapy is most suitable for you. Dr. David S. Soane uses this analogy to stress why knowing the difference between the two is pivotal: “It’s like blending and equating physical therapy and surgery. Physical therapy is valuable and exactly what some people need, but it’s not surgery. Counseling is valuable and exactly what some people need, but it’s not psychotherapy.”
Therapy, which can also be referred to as counseling, targets specific issues, or present events. A person may seek therapy for life-altering events such as a divorce, loss of a loved one, or loss of a job. The treatment aims to give individual advice or guidance on how to navigate a specific situation through personal actions and behaviors. Therapy takes place over weeks to several months individually or in group sessions. Therapy is a secondary process, a logical approach that involves creating more exact mental representations, judging the results of one’s actions, locating events in chronological order, solving problems, and communicating clearly. If a therapist concludes that their patient needs extensive care, the patient may be referred to a medical professional.
Psychotherapy explores past issues that gave way to present-day challenges. Individuals who suffer from chronic mental illnesses or emotional difficulties seek Psychotherapy. Those who suffer from anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder often choose to meet with a psychotherapist. Psychotherapy analyzes patterns or recurring concerns, it targets the root cause of current issues to incite lasting change. It is a long-term process that takes place continually/intermittently over a year or several years. Psychotherapy, in contrast to therapy, is a primary process, taking a more abstract approach by focusing on analyzing emotions, dreams, and instinctual demands or drives. Psychotherapy may incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy depending on the severity of the case.
While the debate may exist, it is not a matter of which one is superior to the other, but rather, which one is the right option for you. At Ketamine Health Centers, we offer therapeutic services and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with a team of experienced and licensed medical professionals. Our services go beyond in-person sessions, our team is available for virtual meetings as well! Whether you are seeking individual, couple, or family therapeutic options, we encourage you to speak to our team and find out the best solution for you based on your needs, circumstances, and payment options. Our consultations can be the start to your journey to a better tomorrow. We are here to help you get better and stay better. Schedule your consultation today!
