Psychotherapy involves discussing your thoughts and emotions with a professional whose role is to understand and support you. The goal is to to gain insight, improve overall sense of wellbeing, and help you live a more self determined, satisfying life. By talking freely to an open, unbiased professional, it is possible to disentangle the sources of your distress. Psychotherapy can help you acquire new coping skills that help you respond more productively to your environment. Psychotherapy is also an effective way to learn self awareness and problem solve. It can help you clarify life goals, build self esteem, and clarify ways to improve your relationships.
Pharmacology
In the recent decades, there has been an explosion in the research and development of the pharmacology of mood and emotional problems (psychopharmacology). Although medications are intended to treat the general population, they affect each person differently. Dr. Samton will select an appropriate regimen and keep you informed of the potential benefits and risks of medication. Every effort will be made to address any questions regarding all aspects of your treatment. You will be carefully monitored and adjustments will be made if needed.
Combination Treatment
Many times patients will obtain effective results from a combination of psychotherapy and medication treatment. When a patient is having severe psychiatric symptoms, it can be hard to talk about feelings and solutions. Medications can help ameliorate acute emotions such as depression and anxiety. Once the negative emotions diminish, it is much easier to form psychological insights and create new coping strategies. Often medications can be tapered as a patient learns new ways to respond to life stress and handle a full spectrum of emotions.
