Everyone needs emotional and mental support which often go hand in hand with each other. Psychotherapy is defined as the treatment of a mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means. In as much as a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medical drugs, they need to counsel patients before they can diagnose and prescribe anything.
During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Once you and the doctor discuss these things, you will be able to understand your circumstances better. Discussing these things will help Dr Michelle Vlok-Barnard give you an accurate diagnosis and to select the best treatment for you.
Who can benefit?
Psychotherapy can be used to help a range of people. The following feelings are signs that an individual might benefit from this type of therapy:
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness or helplessness.
- An inability to cope with everyday problems.
- Difficulty concentrating on work or studies most of the time.
- Self-medicating with alcohol, drugs and aggression.
- Self-harming or causing harm to others.
- A sense that problems never change, despite receiving help from friends and family.
- Feeling constantly on edge or worrying unnecessarily.
Types of psychotherapy
- Behavioural therapy.
- Cognitive therapy.
- Interpersonal therapy.
- Psychodynamic therapy.
- Group and family therapy.
What should I expect?
A typical psychotherapy session lasts 45 to 50 minutes. To make the most of your time, make a list of the points you want to cover in your first session and what you want to work on in psychotherapy. This is the first step to self-care and creating attainable mental health goals for yourself. Following these tips will maximise your time spent with Dr Michelle Vlok-Barnard so that you get the best possible care.