The 10 Different Types of Therapy

The 10 Different Types of Therapy

Therapy sessions with patients are led by mental health professionals based on their needs. Therapy can help people address issues ranging from substance abuse and mental illness to eating disorders and mood disorders.

 

What Is Therapy?

Therapy (short for psychotherapy) is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a service provided by a therapist or psychotherapist. These professionals in mental health diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural issues.

Therapists in the United States are certified by a state board. They assist individuals, couples, families, and groups in resolving problems. This usually entails asking numerous questions about one's past and present experiences. As a result, "talk therapy" is another name for "therapy." The ultimate goal of therapy is to assist the patient in developing a treatment plan that will assist them in working through their mental health issues and achieving personal growth.

 

Why Is It Important to Find the Right Kind of Therapy?

Finding the right therapy is critical because you want a therapist who can serve your needs (while also working with your health care plan) and provide you with the tools you need to grow. Because different therapists specialize in different practices, preliminary research is an important part of therapy. When meeting a new therapist, it is critical to determine whether they can help you address what you want to address in future sessions.

If you are dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorders, for example, it is best to look for therapists who specialize in, or have at least treated, that issue. If you want to improve your mindfulness and emotional regulation, a more general therapist may be more appropriate for ongoing discussions about your lifestyle and habits.

 

In-person Therapy vs. Online Therapy

It is up to you to decide which type of sessions you prefer when choosing between in-person and online therapy. One advantage of online therapy is that it can connect you with therapists who are located outside of your geographic area or health care network. This can change the type of care you get and how often you get it.

When it comes to their wellness, some people prefer in-person engagement, especially if they are in group therapy or specialized individual therapy. Given the nature of client-centered therapy, you should aim for what is best for your health and then determine which health services are covered by your insurance plan. You will then be able to make an informed decision.

 

10 Types of Therapy

There are numerous types of therapy. Here are some examples:

1. Art therapy: This popular therapy allows patients to express themselves in a healthy way. Patients can soothe themselves through the creative process by channeling their emotions into visual art pieces, and therapists can delve deeper into their patients' psyches.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) assists patients in identifying faulty or distorted ways of thinking that are at the root of psychological issues. The therapist assists the patient in identifying specific thought patterns and cognitive distortions, as well as teaching coping strategies to help them overcome them. CBT can help patients with eating disorders and other problems.

3. Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT is a more intensive form of cognitive therapy that emphasizes problem-solving abilities. This type of therapy is for clients who have more severe problems, such as borderline personality disorder or suicidal thoughts.

4. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): EFT is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that investigates the role of emotions in relationships and thought processes. Self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and broken family or friend relationships can all benefit from this therapy.

5. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy: Francine Shapiro, a US psychologist, developed EMDR, which uses specific eye movements to help reduce negative thoughts. Such movements assist patients in accessing unresolved conflicts or difficult memories, allowing the therapist to carve a path toward healing and betterment. EMDR is used to treat patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or panic attacks.

6. Family therapy: This type of therapy focuses on troubled families. This therapy may be beneficial for blended families or families dealing with the aftermath of a divorce. Children may attend their own therapy sessions, or professionals may recommend play therapy to help a child open up. Couples therapy is a type of family therapy that assists parents or partners who are having communication or sexual drive issues.

7. Gestalt therapy: This therapeutic practice, developed by German psychiatrist Frederick S. Perls, builds self-awareness by examining a patient's state at that precise moment. Gestalt therapy may use role-playing or re-enactments to assist a patient in understanding how past events influenced their current habits.

8. Humanistic therapy: In humanistic therapy, experience is more important than analysis. Acceptance and role-playing exercises can lead to personal growth and the discovery of one's true self.

9. Narrative therapy: Narrative therapy, also known as narrative practice, is an empowering form of psychotherapy that encourages people to tell therapists their life stories as narratives. Using narrative therapy techniques, the goal is to externalize and separate issues from the client's identity.

10. Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy, also known as psychoanalysis, focuses on the client's unconscious thoughts and beliefs and how they influence conscious behavior. To reveal truths about how the patient interacts with others in everyday life, a close therapeutic relationship between the patient and the practitioner is required.

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