How A Seattle Psychologist Can Help His Patients Live A Full Life Again

By Della Monroe


One would think that technological advances have made life easier for most people. The sad fact, however, is that more and more people are struggling to cope with day to day life. Also, more and more people are diagnosed with some form of psychological disorder. Severe pressure and even minor psychological conditions can wreak havoc on the ability of sufferers to cope. Luckily, with help from a Seattle psychologist it is possible to regain focus and to lead a satisfactory life.

Therapy can certainly help but one of the main obstacles remain the fact that psychological treatment is still viewed with mistrust and even scorn. It is often seen as a bogus discipline and those seeking help from therapists are dismissed as weaklings that cannot cope with reality. This is hogwash, of course, but until attitudes change there will be many people who need help that will not get it.

There are two main role players in the field of psychology. Psychologists are specially trained professionals that focus on treating their patients by means of various techniques and disciplines, but they are not qualified medical doctors. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are specialist medical doctors that employ medication to treat psychological disorders. In many cases both these professionals are involved in the treatment of a patient.

Patients sometimes have unrealistic expectations from their therapist. They expect the therapist to solve their problems and tell them what to do to overcome their conditions. This cannot be done and should not be expected. The therapist can merely act as a counsellor, helping the patient to devise plans and methods to cope with life and to function normally within society. The patient himself must make decisions and implement changes in his life.

Therapy often requires patience because it can be months, sometimes even years before a complete success can be assumed. This has serious cost implications. However, patients can save money by joining group sessions. In fact, group therapy is often highly beneficial. The members of the group all suffer from similar conditions. They can therefore sympathize with each other, help each other and learn from each other.

Experts all agree that therapy can only be beneficial if the patients admits that he has a problem and that he needs help. This often pose a problem for families that have to put up with a loved one that suffers from a condition that not only affects himself but that also disrupts the lives of those around him. In rare cases a patient may be forcibly admitted to a treatment facility, especially if the patient becomes violent.

Therapy cannot succeed unless the patient has absolute trust in the therapist. If this is not the case the patient should be referred to another therapist. Personalities do clash and it is not unnatural for two individuals to fail to establish a close relationship. That is why most experienced therapists will quickly identify such difficulties and advise the patient to see another professional.

Psychological therapy has benefited numerous people. Most psychological conditions can be treated and controlled. There is absolutely no shame in seeking help. There is also no reason to suffer in silence and to lead a miserable life. Admitting a problem and seeking help is the first step towards a contented future.




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