Why do people consider using therapy?

Millions of Americans have found relief from depression and other emotional difficulties through seeing a psychologist. Therapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional such as a psychologist who is licensed and trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance abuse problem. Nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety. 

When would therapy be a good idea?

Therapy helps people suffering from depression, who have relationship issues or feel feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness.  Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result or their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. In other cases they might be troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends. In all of these situations psychological therapy would be of assistance. 

What does research show about the effectiveness of therapy?

Research suggests that therapy effectively decreases patients' depression and anxiety and related symptoms; such as pain, fatigue and nausea. Therapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body's immune system. Research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall health status.

There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of therapy are far better off than untreated individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study showed that 50 percent of patients noticeably improved after eight sessions while 75 percent of individuals in therapy improved by the end of six months. Psychotherapy with children is similar in effectiveness to therapy with adults.

What to expect

Dr. Clifford will generally perform an initial intake lasting about 90 minutes to better understand your situation and make sure you are a suitable candidate for psychological treatment. Dr. Clifford will also discuss any other medical providers you are working with. Moving forward you and Dr. Clifford will decide on the number and frequency of consultations. These generally last for 55 minutes and the frequency will vary depending on your situation. 

Patients often feel a wide range of emotions during therapy. Some qualms about therapy that people may have result from the difficulty of discussing painful and troubling experiences. When this happens, it can actually be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behaviors.

Dr. Clifford understands that therapy isn't easy, but believes that patients who are willing to work in close partnership with their psychologist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.