6 Ways Psychotherapy Can Help You

If little feels “well” in your emotional well-being, it may be time to consider psychotherapy. Centering on routine sessions spent talking with a therapist, this proven treatment aims to help you better cope with current and future challenges for a more rewarding life. 

At her practice in Chicago at One Magnificent Mile, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Amanda S. Kleinman provides effective psychotherapy treatments to help optimize your mental health and well-being.

Here’s a look at six potential benefits of psychotherapy you can look forward to.

1. Improved moods

Whether you seek psychotherapy to manage a mental health condition, like an anxiety disorder or depression, or to navigate a stressful time better, the sessions can help ease your difficult symptoms. Research shows that 75% of people benefit from psychotherapy in these ways. You may feel less sad, angry, irritable, or lonely throughout treatment. 

2. Stronger interpersonal relationships

When your mental health is suffering, it’s easy for your relationships to suffer, too. Psychotherapy can help you process emotional challenges to be more present and communicative in healthy relationships. It can also help you navigate challenges associated with unhealthy or harmful relationships.

Common relationship issues Dr. Kleinman addresses include financial tension, breakups and divorce, infidelity, poor communication, and the effects of past traumas. 

3. Healthier thoughts and behaviors

Beyond emotions, your thoughts and behaviors play significant roles in your mental health. If you’re bothered by ruminating thoughts, negative self-talk, or risky behaviors, psychotherapy can shed light on the root of those patterns and help you experience healthier alternatives. 

If you tend to “act out” because of emotional distress, for example, processing your thoughts and emotions with a professional can help reduce your urges for destructive behaviors. If you’re prone to “all or nothing” thinking because of borderline personality disorder, transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) can help.

4. Better understanding your mind

Given that each person’s mind is unique, understanding how your own works can help you better cope with or avoid various challenges. Such understanding can also help foster self-compassion and improved self-esteem and allow you to focus on and utilize your strengths. During psychodynamic psychotherapy, Dr. Kleinment helps you gain that understanding. 

5. Reduced suicidality

If you’re dealing with suicidality or suicidal ideation, meaning you have thoughts or plans for ending your life, psychotherapy can help restore a sense of hope. Going beyond crisis intervention alone, psychotherapy can lead to more fulfilling relational experiences and more positive thoughts and beliefs about your identity. 

6. Improved quality of life

No matter where you are in your emotional health at the start of psychotherapy, effective treatment can lead to a range of benefits that improve your quality of life. Many people who receive this type of care report taking fewer sick days from work and greater life satisfaction.

To find out if you’re a good candidate for psychotherapy or get started with the care you need, call our office or request an appointment with Dr. Kleinman through our website today.