Psychological therapy and counseling can help you deal with any issues or problems you find that you can not deal with on your own. Entering into therapy does not mean that you have serious psychological problems or that you are "crazy". On the contrary, seeking help is the first step to regaining your life and helping you learn new ways to think and react. Many people find that modern life is full of stress and anxiety. This is very normal and counselors and therapists are trained to teach you new ways of thinking and help you to learn the tools you need to cope with everyday stresses and anxiety causing circumstances.
Anxiety
Many people enter therapy because of anxiety. Anxiety is a mistaken feeling that you are in danger. Your body's natural fight or flight response has become changed or damaged causing you to feel threatened when no real threat exists. Anxiety can be managed several different ways. Your therapist may use talk therapy, cognitive therapy and suggest your medical doctor prescribe you anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications, but a psychologist, therapist or counselor may not. Cognitive therapy is very effective for the treatment of anxiety. Your therapist helps you to learn new ways of thinking that can disrupt and avoid an anxiety response. In this way you learn to avoid anxiety by recognizing that you are safe and not in danger.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders include compulsive overeating, anorexia and bulimia. Eating disorders have a complex mix of causes and the exact cause of them is not known. The urge to overeat or not eat enough becomes so intense that it affects your health and well being. Many people with eating disorders have a distorted view of their body images believing they are much heavier that they really are. Compulsive overeating may have psychological roots related to stress and anxiety. Eating disorders can be treated with a combination of therapies and sometimes the addition of medication.
Talk Therapy
Sometimes you need someone who is removed from your everyday life to talk to. Talk therapy helps you work through your problems and find solutions to issues that are stressing you out. Many people feel freer talking to a therapist or counselor because they are not in their daily lives. Talk therapy can help you prevent anxiety and other psychological issues because you get your problems out in the open and your therapist helps you learn new ways of coping that are healthy. Therapy and counseling is not just for people who are experiencing serious psychological issues. It is one of the most effective ways to deal with the stress of modern life and a healthy choice for anyone.
