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Reasons to Consider Psychological
Treatment

In the modern world we are blessed with many advanced technologies and
creature comforts but are plagued with stress, alienation, self-doubt, overeating,
addictions of all types, anxiety, depression, and various fears and worries. Some of
us know how to text message and twitter or friend someone on Facebook but are
too intimidated to speak face-to-face to a potential romantic partner or in a
business meeting without freezing up. Others are too panicked to fly and thus limit
professional opportunities or career advancement. Relationship problems abound
with “communication issues” between lovers, spouses, friends, and parents and
children of all ages. Yet other people suffer from physical ailments including pain,
gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are the
silent sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who self-medicate with
alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or other drugs but are still plagued with nightmares,
flashbacks, suspiciousness, and hypervigilance.

Regardless of the origin of these psychological and somatic ailments all can
potentially profit from psychological treatment, sometimes as adjunctive therapy.
Unlike in the past where the only modality was costly and time-consuming
psychoanalysis, today psychological treatment is informed by psychological and
neuroscientific research and more likely to be eclectic and briefer. For example
many phobias respond quite well to cognitive-behavioral approaches, sometimes
with hypnosis. The newest treatment for specific phobias makes use of modern
computer technology: Virtual Reality Therapy. In the hands of a knowledgeable
and trained clinician, Virtual Reality Therapy can very effectively treat fear of flying
and fear of public speaking.