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More and more evidence has proven that psychotherapy can help with a wide range of psychological issues. Once you have decided that you would like assistance from a mental health professional it can be a little difficult to know which mental health professional is best for you. There are many options and factors to consider when making this decision and selecting the best choice.

First consider the problem you would like to solve. In order to identify the best form of treatment it is important to identify the problem first. A thorough evaluation and assessment is a necessary first step in identifying mental health related issues. These assessments are usually called mental status exams or diagnostic evaluations. These help your provider get a better understanding of what the problem is and how it is affecting you personally. Assessment tools can be helpful by gathering important information such as health history, family history, and education, along with other cultural and social factors. This information is important for mental health professionals to know in order to determine the best course of action.

Second, it is important to determine what the best course of treatment is for your identified problem. For some issues medication might be the best approach and for other issues psychotherapy or a combination of the two is highly recommended. It is all dependent on your specific needs. For example, if you need to work with someone who can prescribe medication, a psychiatrist may be a good mental health care provider for you. If you are having marital issues, a marriage and family therapist might be a good option as they can provide psychotherapy for couples. You might even work with both a psychiatrist and a therapists depending on the issue. It’s normal to have a treatment team when dealing with complex mental health and emotional issues. Typically a good indicator of a good match will include a mental health professional with experience treating other individuals who have experienced a similar issue. A good way to determine how much experience they have is simply by asking.

Regardless of which mental health care professional you initially see they will have knowledge of the treatment options that are available for you, as well as knowledge of your identified mental health condition. They can help educate you on your best options. The best option will most likely be different for each individual depending on his or her circumstances. Most mental health professionals can provide treatment for a wide range of issues and have had extensive training and experience in treating these issues. Ask your mental health care provider what their history or experience is in treating issues similar to the one you are experiencing.

Last, consider your finances, personal preferences, culture, values, and character. Mental health providers and clients work together and the right match is important. Once you have determined that the provider you are working with has the correct credentials, background, and competence, consider your level of personal comfort with the provider and their approach towards treatment. Establishing rapport and trust is a critical aspect of treatment. Choose someone who you feel comfortable and safe with.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

Psychological trauma is damage that occurs to a person’s psyche as the result of a traumatic event. A traumatic event can be a single experience or one that consists of repeated events that overwhelm someone beyond his or her means of coping. However, the actual effects of the trauma may be delayed for years before a person actually experiences the symptoms.

Psychological Trauma may be the result of exposure to natural disasters, war, abuse, rape, assault, death, or any situation which is beyond the scope of normal, everyday experience.

In many cases, psychological trauma occurs when there is some sort of physical trauma involved. But, it is important to understand that people perceive and experience things differently. Not all people who experience trauma cope the same way, and, so, it is important to know the symptoms of abnormal coping so that proper help can be sought.

The symptoms of psychological trauma may include:

• A person may re-experience the trauma through flashbacks.

• Intense feelings of anger may come about.

• A person may experience blockages in their memory surrounding the event.

• A person may feel emotionally exhausted.

• A feeling of permanent damage may come about. A person may feel that they are damaged beyond repair.

• Dissociating from painful emotion by numbing of all emotion.

• A person may experience insomnia.

These are some of the symptoms that an individual may experience when exposed to trauma. Since people cope with trauma differently, they may experience these symptoms or other symptoms such as mood swings and depression.

It is important to seek out a licensed mental health professional to work through emotional problems resulting from traumatic exposure. Psychotherapy can be extremely helpful in helping individuals work through the pain associated with traumatic exposure; sometimes, prescribed medications can assist the healing process. Often times, a combination approach produces the most lasting, effective results.