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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