Psychotherapy Specialist

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often called “talk therapy,” allows you to speak directly with a psychologist about your concerns. During a session, Dr. Kaushansky will ask you questions and listen in a nonjudgmental way as you talk openly about your feelings. Together, you’ll work through any imbalances in your life and thoughts, so you can learn how to take control of any unhealthy patterns. Dr. Kaushansky will teach you healthy coping skills that are individualized for your specific needs.

Why would I need psychotherapy?

There are many reasons why you might benefit from psychotherapy. For example, you might have a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, trauma, or bipolar disorder. Alternatively, you might be going through a challenging time and need a safe and unbiased environment to talk about your thoughts and feelings and explore ways to cope with the challenges in your life. 

What should I expect during psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy typically involves weekly appointments. During your appointments, you talk, but what you talk about is up to you. You might want to talk about what’s going on in your life or about things that happened to you in the past that still affect your thoughts and feelings. Dr. Kaushansky is there to ask questions to help you increase your self-awareness and break patterns of negative thoughts and behaviors. 

Which disorders can psychotherapy help with?

Psychotherapy is beneficial for nearly every type of mental or behavioral disorder. You may benefit if you have been diagnosed with, or think you have:

• Depression or Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and PTSD
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Sexual dysfunction or disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Addictions
• Personality disorders
  
  

You don’t necessarily need to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from psychotherapy. Patients who struggle with insomnia, major life changes, stress, mild anxiety, relationship problems, or coping with medical conditions, can benefit from psychotherapy sessions.

Will I need psychotherapy for the rest of my life?

Probably not. Your progress depends on you and your diagnosis, so no two patients are the same. Some patients feel better after just a few sessions because they have taken action to understand their issues. Since Dr. Kaushansky may give you “homework” to do on your own, you’ll continue to improve once you have the skillset you need.

Some disorders and issues take more time, possibly a year or more. This may be the case if you have an ongoing concern, like schizophrenia, or if you have PTSD. By going to regular psychotherapy sessions, you’ll continue to grow and improve, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

When do I stop going to psychotherapy sessions?

It just depends on you. Throughout your treatment, Dr. Kaushansky can discuss expectations with you and give you a realistic timeframe. But visiting with your psychologist is a lot like seeing your primary care physician. You may want to go back for routine maintenance here and there, even if you don’t feel “sick.” Dr. Kaushansky is available to help you with any issues you have now or may encounter in the future.