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Why Talk Therapy? Part I: The Power of Storytelling

Author: Lauren Farina-Prieto, LCSW, CIMHP




Even as therapists across the country struggle to manage packed schedules and long waiting lists (thanks in part to pandemic stress and other socio-economic factors), the value of talk therapy has recently come into question in the virtual public square. With the rising popularity of somatic therapies such as acupuncture, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy as valuable and effective means of supporting the nervous system, where does talk therapy fit in when it comes to managing mental and emotional health?


Who Could Benefit from Talk Therapy?

Let’s start here. In our opinion, it’s no exaggeration to suggest that nearly everyone could benefit from therapy. In the past, the stigma around seeking therapy was based on the notion that it was only for those with serious mental illness. On the contrary, the majority of clients on our caseload at Invited are high functioning individuals who live full and successful lives, according to traditional standards, but are simply looking to up-level their experience in one or more life domain. Many of our clients seek therapy for support in coping with overwhelming work stress, post-pandemic life, or parenthood, for example. Others seek guidance communicating with loved ones, strengthening their relationships, and sharpening their job performance. For individuals seeking to embody their highest potential and reach a new level of self-actualization, talk therapy can be an invaluable resource. Just as one would not hesitate to call a plumber for a leaky pipe, more and more people recognize the value of expert guidance to help address personal problems, losses and life transitions. The support of an unbiased, compassionate professional to help problem-solve and gain new perspectives is becoming more and more the norm in society today, and, as they say, we are totally here for it.


Talk Therapy as an Ancient Healing Modality

Conventionally, the advent of talk therapy is credited to Signmund Freud and his study of patient Bertha Pappenheim, AKA “Anna O.” Anna O. reportedly sought the help of Josef Breur for myriad symptoms following the death of her father, including partial paralysis, vision loss and hallucinations. Pappenheim later reported that her work with Breur offered relief from her symptoms, and she thereafter referred to their work together as “the talking cure.”


In 2022, we recognize the mind-body connection, and the stress that unexpressed grief and other overwhelming emotions can place on the nervous system. However, even long before Freud’s research, the value of storytelling has been an integral part of oral traditions among ancient cultures and indigenous groups. Ancient Egyptian and Greek writings reference “healing through words,” and for good reason. As social creatures, the ability to communicate our experiences to an empathic listener, and to gain witness and validation of those experiences can be tremendously nurturing.


Human beings are, in fact, inherently social creatures; we were literally made to live in community. Research has proven time and again that a sense of social support and belonging is protective against disease and early death. True social connection lends a sense of safety and security in the world around us. However, in the age of social media, text messaging, and grocery delivery, many of us find ourselves feeling more isolated than ever. At its very minimum, talk therapy provides an opportunity for that missing sense of connection in the context of empathy, trust and unconditional positive regard. For so many, this very connection is a healing balm.


The Proven Value of Storytelling

What do the experts say? Dr. Gabor Maté, MD, trauma and addiction specialist and author of When the Body Says No, states that, when someone asks us, “How are you doing,” we experience a significant decrease in our physiological stress markers. Further, by virtue of answering that question and telling our story, that stress reduction effect is amplified. According to Maté, our experience of anxiety is not mitigated by the absence of stress, but by the presence of connection. In other words, it is much easier for us to withstand life’s curve balls and crises if our pain is met with compassionate social support.


Consider also the trauma-focused work of Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. His research suggests that in telling the story of our trauma (as defined here by a deeply disturbing emotional experience), and in making the connection between past trauma and current experience, patients experience healing. Understanding the origins of a problem is the first step in its resolution. Talk therapy can help to elucidate those origins.


Compelling research from the field of healthcare also recognizes the value of social support that talk therapy brings to the table. The American Journal of Critical Care published a study by Mealer, et al. on the feasibility and effectiveness of a resiliency training program among critical care nurses, the majority of whom reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, professional burnout and PTSD. The study found that nurses who received social support in the setting of weekly counseling enjoyed improvements in all domains. Regardless of a therapist’s approach, the therapeutic relationship itself can act as the main vehicle for change. The value of empathic listening, trust and unconditional support cannot be underestimated.


Final Thoughts

As a psychotherapist, I’ve frequently held sessions for clients in which I’ve said very little, and instead listened attentively and empathically. To my surprise, these are often the times that clients have thanked me profusely for having helped them so much. What these clients are experiencing is the relief that emotional expression promises our body and mind. To me, this is proof that the very act of storytelling and empathic listening has immeasurable value and healing potential.


Many of these cited effects are inherent to the therapeutic process, apart from the clinician’s theoretical approach, preferred treatment modality and, yes, even skill level. But, what does a partnership with a skilled, experienced and thoughtful clinician promise? Be sure to visit our website at www.invitedoakpark.com, and read on to Part II of this series to learn more about established benefits of talk therapy.


Lauren Farina-Prieto, LCSW, is a License Clinical Social Worker in the State

of Illinois, and Founder of Invited Psychotherapy and Coaching, a private practice outside of Chicago, specializing in helping high performing professionals embody their highest potential.


References


Lyubomirsky, S. (2010). The how of happiness. Piatkus Books.


Mate, G. (2011). When the body says no: Understanding the stress-disease connection. John Wiley & Sons.


Mealer, M. Conrad J, Evans J, Jooste K, Solyntjes J, Rothbaum B, Moss M. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Resilience Training Program for Intensive Care Nurses. Am J Crit Care . 2014 Nov;23(6):e97-105. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2014747.


Van der Kolk, B. A. (2015).The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma.New York, New York, Penguin Books.

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