A clinical psychologist is a healthcare professional who has extensive experience and training in helping individuals navigate a wide variety of mental health concerns. These professionals work to provide successful outcomes for those who experience such challenges. They treat individuals for a broad spectrum of problems that range from depression to anxiety to PTSD and more. Psychologists use their training and therapeutic approach to helping individuals develop coping skills for everyday challenges.
A clinical psychologist knows that effective therapy starts with understanding an individual and forming a collaborative relationship with them. These clinical professionals take time to get to know the mindset of each individual. From that understanding, the therapist can select the therapeutic approach best suited to an individual’s therapy goals.
Clinical psychologists have experience in treating the following problems and more:
- Depression
- General stress
- Grief
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Adjustment challenges
- Relationship problems (couples’ therapy, exploring patterns of dysfunction, tension within the family, etc.)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Insomnia or sleep quality challenges
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Dissociative identity disorder (DID)
- Phobias
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
About the Therapeutic Process
The therapy process has a collaborative relationship between therapist and client at its core. It relies heavily on trust and mutual respect. An initial consultation involves an in-depth interview to assess and learn more about the individual and his or her history. It also serves to outline the person’s current problems and how they impact him or her.
After the initial intake, a clinical psychologist uses the information gathered to create a comprehensive treatment plan based on the individual’s needs. The therapist might use a combination of several evidence-based therapies that have demonstrated a favorable effect in the treatment of mental health problems.
It is critical to note that the therapy method selected depends on how the individual presents his or her personality and background. A one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach to therapy is often not nearly as effective as one that accounts for a person’s unique variables, such as world view, background, and personality. Commonly, individuals undergoing therapy are asked to complete regular assessment documents so that the psychotherapist can measure progress made in treatment based on how the client is feeling and what they are doing. Then, the therapist makes any necessary adjustments depending on the individual’s progress.
About the Different Types of Therapy Approaches
Clinical psychologists use a variety of therapeutic approaches to achieve the desired results for their clients, including these (and more):
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety, insomnia, depression, or ADHD
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Prolonged exposure for PTSD
- Behavioral therapy
- Exposure and response prevention for phobias
Effective treatment doesn’t have to take many weeks and months to accomplish. Many challenges can be resolved in a short time. Clinical psychologists, like a therapist in Palatine, IL from Lotus Wellness Center, work with you to develop and carry out your customized treatment plan, aiming to resolve your issues in the quickest and most efficient time possible. You can address any questions or concerns you have about therapy to a psychologist before treatment. For more information or to schedule an initial visit, contact a clinical psychologist in your local area.