BENEFITS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

The results of psychological therapy tend to last longer than those produced by treating with medication and don’t produce harmful side effects like many psych medications do. 

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Behavioral therapy focuses on conditioning, or associative learning while cognitive therapy emphasizes what we think rather than what we do. By changing our thoughts, we can change how we feel and what we do. 

There are many benefits to psychotherapy. You can explore thoughts, feelings, and worries without judgment. A therapist can guide you in developing coping strategies for different situations and identifying habits you want to change. 

With quadriplegia comes an enormous lack of control over our lives. This manifests in different ways: anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression. A good therapist will help you focus on what’s in your control, and provide techniques for coping with what’s not, whether it’s the practice of redirecting the mind, checking the validity of negative thoughts, or learning meditation techniques.

Don’t assume the first therapist you see is the right fit for you. Arrange to do a few sessions with several, if possible. Know what you’re looking for and share your therapy goals.