Do I really need therapy if I'm already taking medication?

I emphasize the word "part" because unlike antibiotics, psychotropic medications do not cure the disorder but rather help you to feel better in order to function and fully participate in the process of recovery. Medication without therapy is like a Band-Aid; it covers the cut, but the cut is still there. It isn't the Band-Aid that heals the cut but rather the body doing the work of repairing the wound. Likewise, therapy is the work that is required to heal the wound, and the medication provides cover (alleviates symptoms) to allow you to do the work.

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Understanding Mental Health Meds

When it comes to mental health or addiction, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach. Some people respond very well to talk therapy alone, while others may need medication to assist with the process. When combined with therapy, medication can be an important part of the treatment process. It is important to note that unlike antibiotics, psychotropic medications do not cure the disorder but rather help you to feel better in order to function and fully participate in the process of recovery. Medication without therapy is like a Band-Aid; it covers the cut, but the cut is still there. It isn’t the Band-Aid that heals the cut but rather the body doing the work of repairing the wound. The Band-Aid merely provides a cover to allow the body to do its work. Likewise, therapy is the work that is required to heal the wound, and the medication alleviates symptoms to allow you to do the work. Medications work by changing the imbalance of chemicals in the brai

What is "Normal" When it Comes to Emotions?

By: Kari Mika-Lude Q: What is "normal" when it comes to emotions? How will I know if I actually have a problem? The dictionary defines normal as "conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected". But who determines what is standard, usual, typical, or expected? Society, I suppose... which makes "normal" a matter of opinion. What I will say is that the human experience brings with it a variety of emotions. When you really break it down, emotions - even the ones that don't feel so great - serve a purpose. For one thing, they provide feedback about what's going on around us and help us navigate through our day-to-day lives and potentially hazardous situations. If you've ever gotten that prickly feeling on the back of your neck or that fluttering in your chest, then you've had an emotional response (fear) that told you something wasn't right (danger?) and to get the heck outta there! Emotions also help us

Beyond the Magic Wand

By: Kari Mika-Lude A good therapist is always working himself or herself out of a job. In other words, the most basic goal of therapy is to no longer need therapy. However, the therapist can only do so much. The therapist’s role is not to solve problems or make things better. Unfortunately, therapists are not magicians or wizards, and there is no magic wand. Consider physical therapy for a moment. In physical therapy, there is a therapist. The role of the physical therapist is to facilitate the healing process through the use of exercises, education, and so on. Ultimately, the work itself falls on the patient; if the patient does not do her part, then healing will not take place. Physical therapy can be a long and painful process, but that pain is accepted as a means to an end. The therapist’s job is similar to that of a coach, offering guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the process, but if the therapist does not push the patient to stand on

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