Different Types of Therapy
Accepting the diagnosis of a mental illness can cultivate many emotions. A diagnosis my provide relief, if you’ve been searching for answers, or possibly be overwhelming and isolative, if you don’t have adequate support. Psychotherapy, often referred to as simply “therapy” is a treatment technique designed to relieve emotional distress and mental instability through the art of conversation. Often used as an adjunct to medication, therapy offers the safe space and support that will benefit you on your mental wellness journey.
Like medication the world of psychotherapy can seem vast and confusing to those new to it. There is a wide range of therapeutic approaches. However, there is no single form of therapy that is right for everyone, which is why it is important to educate yourself on the most commonly practiced forms.
Not exhaustive, but consider this an introduction to the various forms of psychotherapy.
What is Psychotherapy?
Typically conducted by a trained and licensed mental health professional. Psychotherapy, often referred to as simply “therapy” is a treatment technique designed to relieve emotional distress and mental instability through the art of conversation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a short-term, goal oriented therapy that focuses on the link between our thoughts (cognitions) and our actions (behavior). This therapy approach is often used with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or phobias. CBT is also helpful in helping individuals overcome harmful habits and addictions, such as smoking, overeating, or gambling.
The goal of CBT is to help you identify and change thinking and behavior patterns that are unhealthy, unproductive, or incapacitating, and replacing them with more accurate thoughts and functional behaviors.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal therapy is a time-limited, focused treatment often used to treat mood disorders. IPT focuses on helping clients understand underlying interpersonal issues that are troublesome, like unresolved grief, changes in social or work roles, conflicts with significant others, and problems relating to others.
The goal of IPT is to improve the quality of your interpersonal relationships and social functioning to help reduce distress. During therapy clients learn skills necessary to express one’s emotions in a health manner and to communicate effectively with others.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a form of CBT that helps individuals regulate their emotions. DBT was originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder regulate their emotions and handle stress in a healthy manner. However, DBT is now used to treat a variety of mental health conditions and has shown to be especially helpful for those with seemingly uncontrollable, intense negative emotions and those who may be inclined toward self-harm.
The primary goal of DBT is to give one the skills necessary for self acceptance and mindful living. DBT teaches new skills that empower clients to take personal responsibility to change unhealthy or disruptive behavior.
Supportive Therapy
Supportive therapy relies on a strong foundation of therapeutic alliance to guide and encourage clients to develop and expand their own resources. The bond between the client and provider is at the center of this therapy. Therapist build an alliance with the client by eliminating the power dynamic. This is accomplished by using a more informal conversational style and engaging the client in a collaborative discussions.
The goal of supportive therapy is to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions by helping to improve self-esteem, restore relation to reality, and regulate impulses /negative thinking. Improving these skills helps reinforce one’s ability to cope with life stressors and challenges.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy is an in-depth form of talk therapy that emphasizes how certain life events and relationships, both past and present, affect your current feelings and choices. This form of therapy is often used to treat depression and is particularly useful in helping individuals that have the capacity to be self-reflective and are looking to obtain insight into themselves.
The goal of this therapy is to help you identify, acknowledge and understand negative feelings and repressed emotions so you can resolve internal psychological conflicts and improve life experiences.
If you are looking for the support of an empathetic mental health professional and are considering therapy request a consultation today. Our home-visit and TelePsych concierge model will provide you with the accessibility that you need to make your mental health a priority.
Dr. Moore looks forward to discussing how the psychcierge lifestyle can get you on the road to mental prosperity.
