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Psychotherapist- A Psychotherapist guides patients
to clearer thinking for better results

Psychotherapist
One who practices psychotherapy is referred to as a psychotherapist. This may include, psychiatrists like Dr. Westerback, clinical psychologists (PhDs and PsyDs), psychiatric nurses and individuals trained in counseling such as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs), The specific requirements for education and training differ markedly in content, breadth, and duration, depending on the form of psychotherapy practiced. Licensing procedures and definitions of practice vary from state to state. Unless the practitioner has a medical degree (physician or psychiatrist,) he or she cannot prescribe medicines.

Dr. Westerback believes that not all patients require medication. Medications may act more quickly but there is a greater chance of relapse following their discontinuation. Psychotherapy usually takes from a few months to a couple of years to maximize its full effect but the remission from symptoms tends to last for at least 2-3 years. Severe depression or anxiety should always be treated with both medication and psychotherapy.

Dr. Westerback uses cognitive therapy which is based on the belief that thoughts precede moods and that negative self thoughts lead to negative moods. Cognitive therapy helps the patient recognize negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts that more closely reflect reality.