When it comes to treating depression or other mental health challenges, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Most people have heard of counseling or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat these conditions, but many people do not realize that treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can work with these treatments to provide patients with a better outcome. On its own, TMS can be effective, but when you pair it with talk therapy, the results can be even more powerful.
How It Works
TMS helps balance stubborn brain circuits which can make it easier for someone to engage in therapy and process their emotions. Meanwhile, talk therapy provides the tools and support needed to work through thought patterns, build coping skills and create lasting growth. With transcranial magnetic stimulation, a person could have a TMS appointment one morning, a therapy session later on that week and focus on therapy homework in between both appointments. Here is an example of how someone might utilize both therapies in their lives:
Meet Lisa.
Lisa is a 55 year old human resources manager who has been struggling with depression for several years. Talk therapy helped a bit, but she still felt “stuck”, like she understood what she should be doing to feel better, but didn’t know how to make any real progress. Once she started TMS therapy, Lisa was able to use her weekly talk therapy appointment to unpack her perfectionism in the workplace, while TMS lifted her energy enough to actually practice new habits. By the end of her treatment, Lisa isn’t just going through the motions anymore, she is engaging in her treatment and in her life again.
Tips
If you are exploring TMS and talk therapy together, there are a few key tips that can help you get the most out of your experience.
- Try to coordinate your schedule so that therapy sessions align with your TMS treatments. Many find it helpful to talk through what comes up after a TMS appointment.
- Share progress notes between your providers so that everyone is on the same page. This will allow your team to tailor your treatment as necessary.
- Pay attention to see if the treatment is working. This could include better sleep, steadier mood or shifts in thought patterns.
TMS helps your brain get to a better place, and talk therapy helps you make the most of that progress. When used together, they are the dynamic duo of the mental health world. For more information, please contact us today and let us help you build your personalized game plan.