Thriveworks psychologists in La Habra, CA provide standard psychotherapy services, tailoring treatment to each client and their unique concerns. However, they can also provide diagnoses to clients when appropriate, something that therapists and counselors cannot do. Finally, in some states in the U.S., they are allowed to prescribe medication.
The renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once stated, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” Humans tend to develop patterns of thinking and habits of behavior that might serve them well in the short-term, but may not contribute to sustainable well-being. For example, a child with a parent who is prone to unpredictable rages might start walking on eggshells to avoid being yelled at. The child might think that this constant state of anxiety might help them avoid distress, but all it really does is teach her to be fearful. And now she’s an anxious adult. Is it possible to unlearn a cognitive strategy that’s no longer adaptive? Absolutely.
The licensed psychologists at Thriveworks in La Habra, CA can work with people to understand why they think and act the way they do. Then they can help people find improved, healthier ways to operate that will facilitate better outcomes in life. It can be amazing what a little self-examination and professional insight will do. Psychologists at Thriveworks have the extensive training, experience, and compassion to help clients identify and manage their individual issues. The experience of therapy can be life-changing.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Many people are unclear about what differentiates a psychologist from a psychiatrist. For the purposes of Thriveworks therapy in La Habra, CA, it’s most important to know that psychiatrists can prescribe medication for mental health conditions and psychologists can’t. This is because psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who graduated from medical school.
Clinical and counseling psychologists are experts in the field of psychology. They usually have doctorate degrees (PsyDs or PhDs) and practice psychotherapy (talk therapy). Clinical psychologists often focus on psychopathology.
In addition to psychologists and psychiatrists, Thriveworks in La Habra, CA has the following licensed mental health professionals on staff:
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), who provide therapy/counseling services and support for local social services.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), who provide couples counseling and family therapy for interpersonal issues.
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), who provide solution-based counseling, usually for specific problems.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
Psychologists specialize in psychotherapy, meaning they use numerous interpersonal interventions to help clients achieve their goals in life. These specific therapies include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive restructuring
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
- Relationship counseling
- Existential therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Trauma therapy
- Anxiety therapy
- Depression counseling
- Rational emotive therapy
- Humanistic/client-centered counseling
- Behavioral activation
- Holistic treatments like progressive muscle relaxation
- Lifestyle modifications
- Exposure therapy
- Systematic desensitization
- Narrative therapy
- Affect regulation
- Substance abuse counseling
- Relapse management
Psychologists may also work with psychiatrists at Thriveworks on a treatment plan that includes psychotropic medication like antidepressants to support brain functioning.
Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Work for Depression and Anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular, evidence-based therapy that helps people modify their preexisting thought and behavior patterns. Numerous studies have shown CBT’s efficacy in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychologists at Thriveworks in La Habra, CA might use CBT as a first-line treatment for these mental health conditions and more, such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and panic disorder.
What Issues and Conditions Can a Psychologist Treat?
Psychologists can help people with a wide range of issues and conditions. A client does not need to be in crisis to seek out the services of an exceptional Thriveworks psychologist. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them closely and provide insightful guidance into their experiences. But many people do approach a psychologist for the first time due to a specific issue like the following:
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Worries and fixations
- Mania
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Emotional abuse
- Sex addiction
- Substance abuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Insecurity or self-esteem issues
- Bereavement
- Midlife crisis
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
Talk to a Top-Rated Psychologist at Thriveworks in La Habra, CA
The psychologists at Thriveworks in La Habra, CA are all fully licensed and recruited from the top 4% of providers. They also accept most major forms of health insurance coverage. This means that Thriveworks clients receive premium care at affordable prices. It’s important that everyone who needs great mental health services has access.
Thriveworks psychologists can meet their clients in-person at the modern office or virtually through online counseling sessions. Both modes of communication are of the same high quality. In addition, Thriveworks clients can access their provider between therapy sessions by phone or email.
If you’d like additional information about therapy at Thriveworks, or you’d like to book an appointment that could take place as early as tomorrow, give the office a call. We look forward to hearing from you!
Stress, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, +1 more 
