National Psychotherapy Day Sept. 25

September 25 is National Psychotherapy Day. Sponsored by the Psychotherapy Foundation and supported by the American Psychological Association, National Psychotherapy Day is a day when clinicians, clients and therapy advocates unite to promote the profession, fight stigma, educate the public and draw attention to the needs of community mental health. Psychotherapy is a professional
conversation focused on increasing self-awareness and
mental, emotional and relational well-being. There are many arguments that suggest that it is needed, it is effective,
its impact lasts and it is holistic. The apparent need for psychotherapy is demonstrated by research that says somewhere between 30-50% of adults experience deep emotional difficulty at some point in their life, and common
sense tells us that even these staggering numbers may be a bit low. At some point, almost everyone needs someone to talk to, the figures suggest. It is argued as being effective
because studies have shown that people generally have fewer negative emotional symptoms and report experiencing a higher overall quality of life after receiving therapy.
With regard to its long-lasting nature, according to research,
people who receive psychotherapy actually continue to improve and flourish long after it ends. With many things in life, it's "use it or lose it." This is apparently not the case with psychotherapy; life after therapy can carry lasting healing, growth and positive change. Today's society promotes convenience, and convenience with mental or emotional issues normally comes in the shape of a pill. However, new research suggests that 1 in 5 Americans use at least one psychiatric drug. This could potentially compromise the health of those who use these drugs. Research has proven that psychotherapy aids the body and the mind, while avoiding the negative side effects that drugs may entail.
National Psychotherapy Day provides an opportunity to educate the public and advocate for the usefulness and importance of psychotherapy. Students can receive free psychological services at both the Psychological Services Center at Sycamore House (513-745-3531), which is staffed by doctoral psychology trainees, or the McGrath Health and Wellness Center (513-745-3022). Faculty and staff can receive services for the nominal fee of $10 per hour at the Psychological Services Center. Please contact either location for more information.