What is talk therapy? How can it help us deal with distress? How can it help us deal with mental illness?
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is usually conducted by therapists (psychologists and counsellors) although some psychiatrists are also trained to conduct it. Since the brain changes with experience, prolonged periods of distress can cause mental illness to develop. However, it is that very nature of the brain that enables it to heal again through positive experiences. One such positive experience is talk therapy and we now know that regular therapy sessions can also heal the brain.
Distress occurs due to a buildup of unpleasant emotions inside of us and releasing those emotions in a healthy manner is key to recovering from distress. Talking about stressful experiences is one of the best ways to prevent the buildup of unpleasant emotions and alleviate distress. Sometimes it is difficult to find a good listener and that is where therapists come in. Therapists are professional listeners who use a variety of techniques to help sufferers deal with the unpleasant emotions that have built up inside of them. Therefore, therapy is not just useful for people suffering from mental illness but also those who are affected by chronic distress.
Therapy is of various types (cognitive behavioural therapy, supportive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy), and the type of therapy chosen is based on the requirements of the sufferer and the skillset of the therapist. Although therapy alone can often bring great benefit to the sufferer, in more severe conditions, it needs to be used in conjunction with medications.
It is also very important to note that since therapy is such an intimate process, the therapist and sufferer must develop a good relationship for the therapy to be effective. This is called the therapeutic alliance and it is normal for sufferers to go to different therapists before they find one with whom they feel comfortable.