Do I need psychotherapy?
Many of us deal with life’s hardships alone, and we are not always sure when we should ask for help. The first (and perhaps most important) step for deciding whether or not you need therapy is to identify the problem. Much like medical problems, mental health problems come with symptoms that can be treated and often cured.
Here are a few examples of “red flag” symptoms that can be treated through psychotherapy:
- Anger or irritability
- Persistent depressed mood or sadness
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Fearfulness or worry
- Difficulty with sleep
- Relationship problems
- Flashbacks or difficulties with trauma
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not
- Feeling overwhelmed or lost
- Isolation or loneliness
Although we encourage everyone to seek their own therapy (which is why our therapists also have therapists!), some may be in greater need than others. Licensed psychotherapists determine the severity of a mental health issue based on four main criteria (DSM-5):
Distress – How much stress or pain do the symptoms cause?
Danger – Do the symptoms affect your safety (or the safety of others)?
Dysfunction – Do the symptoms affect functioning at work, in relationships, or other contexts?
Deviance – Do the symptoms cause problems for you or others?
Most mental health issues will fall into one or more of these four categories, but only one is needed for a diagnosis. Contrary to popular belief, diagnoses are not labels used to define you or put you in a box. Each of us is unique, which means that your depression or anxiety may look different from how other people experience it. Diagnoses are used by therapists to help guide treatment and understand how your symptoms may be affecting you.
If your symptoms prevent you from being safe, feeling healthy, doing your best, or working well with others, psychotherapy can help. Here at Greater Heights Behavioral Health, we tailor our psychotherapy treatment to effectively and efficiently meet your needs. Do not wait for things to get better, contact us today to schedule your first appointment!
How does psychotherapy work?
Psychotherapy is a lot like physical therapy. Clients come to the clinic seeking aid for pain, injury, or loss of functioning. They meet with a licensed professional who assesses the problem and provides a plan for treatment. Treatment then involves healing the injury, working on sore spots, and improving flexibility and freedom.
Therapy is all about mending the emotional and psychological problems that keep you from living life to the fullest. As you meet with your psychotherapist, you will experience the healing power of understanding and connection. You will learn how to cope with stress, find your voice, and notice the conscious and unconscious processes that influence your thoughts and feelings. This is why therapy is the first line of treatment for most mental health issues, and it has been shown to be incredibly effective for symptom reduction (Shedler, 2007; Cuijpers et al, 2013). In some cases, symptoms may require medication for more immediate relief (see Roshanaei‐Moghaddam et al, 2011; McHugh et al, 2013). Decisions about medication can be discussed with your therapist and your prescribing physician.
Do not let your symptoms continue to affect your life. Contact Greater Heights Behavioral Health and begin your journey of healing today!
What does therapy look like at Greater Heights Behavioral Health?
Greater Heights Behavioral Health works with teens and adults from the city of Houston and surrounding area. We offer three options for psychotherapy services: individual, couples, and group. Individuals will meet one-on-one with their therapist, while couples meet jointly for each session. Groups are held for specific issues and are available based on demand. All of our sessions are completely confidential and held in the comfort of our Houston office.
We are dedicated to promoting our clients’ wellbeing and health. As you begin treatment with us, you may notice:
- Increased feelings of peace and ease
- Improved relational and life satisfaction
- Greater insight and self-awareness
- Deeper meaning and renewed purpose
- Improved capacity to cope and be resilient
- Stronger social skills
- Feelings of self-efficacy and self-worth
If you or a loved one struggle with sadness, anxiety, loss, trauma, or other issues that affect wellbeing, let us help. Contact Greater Heights Behavioral Health today!
Want to Learn More?
We would love to hear from you!
To learn more about our services or sign up for your first session, contact us today. We meet with clients from all over the Houston area as well as Sugar Land, Cypress, Spring, The Woodlands, Baytown, and beyond. You can use the Contact page or give us a call at (346) 204-4632. Our office is located on 2180 North Loop West, Suite 300, Houston, Texas, 77018.
Our primary clinician, Christopher Jenkin, brings over 25 years of clinical experience to help our clients reach their goals. He has worked in a wide variety of settings with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Originally from the U.K., Christopher brings a unique cultural perspective as a psychotherapist. As a Licensed Psychological Associate and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Christopher delivers an exceptional blend of solution-focused and depth psychology techniques to effectively move you closer to your goals.
To learn more about our providers, click on the About Us tab!
To learn more about fees and payment options, click on Services!
Get more out of your psychotherapy experience. Here at Greater Heights Behavioral Health, your progress is our priority.
References
Cuijpers, P., Sijbrandij, M., Koole, S. L., Andersson, G., Beekman, A. T., & Reynolds, C. F. (2013). The efficacy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in treating depressive and anxiety disorders: A meta‐analysis of direct comparisons. World Psychiatry, 12(2), 137-148.
McHugh, R. K., Whitton, S. W., Peckham, A. D., Welge, J. A., & Otto, M. W. (2013). Patient preference for psychological vs. pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders: a meta-analytic review. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 74(6), 595.
Roshanaei‐Moghaddam, B., Pauly, M. C., Atkins, D. C., Baldwin, S. A., Stein, M. B., & Roy‐Byrne, P. (2011). Relative effects of CBT and pharmacotherapy in depression versus anxiety: is medication somewhat better for depression, and CBT somewhat better for anxiety?. Depression and anxiety, 28(7), 560-567.
Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American psychologist, 65(2), 98.
