Christine E. Carpenter, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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Christine E. Carpenter, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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About Psychotherapy How Psychotherapy Can Help People enter psychotherapy for a wide variety of reasons such at the desire to:
According to a summary of the research on psychotherapy effectiveness by The American Psychological Association (APA), psychotherapy can dramatically decrease the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multiple studies on the efficacy of psychotherapy show that people who undergo treatment for a variety of issues are significantly more likely (by up to 75% in many cases) to improve their functioning. According to the APA summary, "One major study showed that 50 percent of patients noticeably improved after eight sessions while 75 percent of individuals in psychotherapy improved by the end of six months." These benefits extend to children as well as adults. (http://helping.apa.org/therapy/psychotherapy.html) There is also an increasing amount of evidence supporting the connection between the mind and the body. For example, medical patients who undergo psychotherapy experience improved physical recovery compared to those who do not (www.apa.org/practice/peff.html).
What You Might Expect from Psychotherapy Most people report feeling some relief from their problems after initiating therapy and those who have been in treatment for a significant amount of time tend to report major and lasting changes in their lives. Identifying very clear goals at the outset of therapy helps guide the treatment and contributes to the accomplishment of one's objectives. Therapy is not a cure-all or magic bullet, however. There are no guarantees that everyone will respond positively to treatment. At times, therapy can be a difficult and painful process but one that is undertaken with the gentle guidance and support of a professional. Therapy requires that the client look inward and examine issues that may have been buried or avoided for some time. This can be uncomfortable but is necessary in order to gain understanding and bring resolution to issues that may be serving as obstacles in life. It is important, however, that each client be active with her or his therapist in managing the pace at which difficult issues are processed. I believe that each individual has a personal wisdom with respect to their own needs. Because I provide a safe environment and a trusting relationship, most people are able to access this wisdom and work through challenging issues at a tolerable pace.
Psychotherapy is a mutual process that requires active participation from the client. Once a sense of safety and trust has been established with the therapist, the client who is willing to openly share their experience, reactions, feelings and behavioral choices will have the best chance to make real changes in their lives. Most of the benefit of psychotherapy is gained between sessions when the client applies new insights to interactions and behaviors in daily life. In addition, those clients who express any concerns about the process are more likely to have their needs met in therapy. I strive to be sensitive and responsive to my clients' needs and welcome open discussion of any concerns. §
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