Mental Health & Therapy

Talk Therapy Can Literally Change Your Brain

By Dr. Jessica Turner

Talk therapy, psychotherapy, counseling; It doesn't matter what you call it. Participating in talk therapy with a trained therapist can literally change your brain and help improve your mental health and overall sense of well being. Therapy is often a combination of understanding why we are the way that we are, and then figuring out what to do about it.

Understanding Therapy

How Can It Help?

There are many types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (and so many more!). Sessions are typically held once a week, and can be short term or long term.

Therapy can help you eliminate or control bothersome symptoms, and improve your overall functioning.

Types of Talk Therapy

Finding the Right Fit

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress.

Psychoanalytic Therapy

Explores how unconscious processes and past experiences shape present feelings and behaviors.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Helps you accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values.

And So Many More

Every person is different — a skilled therapist can tailor their approach to your unique needs and goals.

The Science

Talk Therapy Changes Your Brain

A recent study looked at people suffering from panic disorder, and found actual changes to the brain in the areas that affect fear, threat monitoring and emotional regulation. More than 70% of patients reached recovery status, after just four sessions!

Other studies also found brain changes occurring after receiving talk therapy for patients suffering from depression, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

Several studies found that participating in talk therapy affected the same areas of your brain as taking a medication. WOW.

What the Research Shows

Real, Measurable Results

Brain changes observed in areas that govern fear and threat monitoring after therapy for panic disorder.

Improvements in emotional regulation documented through brain imaging studies.

Brain changes found in patients treated for depression, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

Talk therapy shown to affect the same brain areas as psychiatric medication.

"More than 70% of patients reached recovery status — after just four sessions."

Panic Disorder Study

Taking the Next Step

Are You Considering Finding a Therapist?

Talk therapy can be used alone, or in combination with mental health medications, such as antidepressants. If you find yourself struggling, or feeling like you are not living your absolute best life, consider reaching out to a therapist.

Many therapists offer a complimentary brief phone call for you to describe your symptoms to see whether you might find that therapist to be a good fit.

Remember

Help Is Within Reach

You Don't Have to Struggle Alone

If you're not living your absolute best life, that's a reason enough to seek support. Therapy is for everyone — not just those in crisis.

Therapy & Medication Work Together

Talk therapy can be used on its own or alongside psychiatric medications. Your treatment plan can be tailored to what works best for you.

Finding the Right Match Matters

Many therapists offer a brief complimentary phone call so you can determine whether they're a good fit before committing to sessions.