Psychotherapy, also referred to as ‘talk therapy,' is a method of treatment used to help alleviate the symptoms of a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. Research has shown that psychotherapy is an effective treatment to reduce symptoms and promote a better quality of life for patients. Therapy can strengthen a patient's ability to deal with stress, leading to more satisfying and stable relationships.
Psychotherapy can be a short-term treatment (a few sessions) to bring relief to an immediate issue, or long-term treatment (months or years) to treat chronic and complex mental health concerns. Psychotherapy treatment plans and goals are created in collaboration with psychotherapist and patient based on the specific needs of the individual.
The basis for successful psychotherapy is open, honest communication and confidentiality. In psychotherapy treatment, the patient and therapist meet once or twice a week. The therapist listens carefully to the patient to gain a full understanding of stated concerns and to provide therapeutic responses.
Psychotherapy is often, but not always, used in conjunction with medication to treat mental health issues. Many patients find that this combination approach is more successful than using psychotherapy or medication alone.
There are several types of psychotherapy. Eran Feit, MD, specializes in Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), a treatment for personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is an evidence-based, psychodynamic therapy that helps a patient understand their inner-world, leading to a reduction in depressive, anxious thoughts and other intense emotions. It is a structured therapy with a minimum of two, face-to-face, sessions per week. Transference Focused Psychotherapy has shown to significantly reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of those suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder.