Benefits of psychotherapy and tips to control anger

It's the stuff of jokes, parodies, cartoons, and comedies. A depressed patient lying on a couch, detailing the peculiarities of his life to a bored, bearded psychiatrist. And that's unfortunate, because therapy really does work.  A well-trained, experienced therapist listens incredibly well, converses in a friendly, casual way, and is full of insights, compassion and wisdom that truly can help you change your outlook on life and how you react to its challenges. Read on to find out more about the benefits of therapy.

One of the most effective and most tested strategies for behaviour changing is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). During this short-term talk therapy — usually about 12 weekly sessions — you'll learn how to change your thinking and unhealthy behaviours and how to adopt healthy attitudes and new habits.

It may be even more effective if your whole family goes in for treatment. In a 2011 study, family members of overweight people (as well as the overweight people themselves) lost weight, shaved calories off their daily intake and found it easier to adopt exercise habits than did people who didn't attend CBT sessions.

The best treatment for depression is the combination of well-chosen medicine with therapy. These deep, ongoing talks are also effective at preventing a relapse. Look for a therapist who practices cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy, in which you learn to cope better with stress, improve your interactions with others and deal with the effects of depression. Studies find these two forms work best.

According to behavioural-medicine experts, you can soothe your seething by asking yourself four pointed questions about what's provoking you:

• Is this important?
• Is my reaction appropriate?
• Can I change the situation?
• If I can, is it worth taking action?

If you answer "no" to any of these questions, the only rational choice is to cool down. While anger isn't always rational, forcing yourself into an objective frame of mind can often be calming in itself.