There are differing types of mental health therapy, from cognitive behavior therapy to play therapy.
It can be overwhelming to determine which jot down is the best fit.
This article discusses the five major approaches to therapy, their subtypes, and how they work.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Acounseloror therapist is a professional with training in treating mental health conditions and concerns.
Once unearthed, the priority becomes working to process the unconscious thoughts and feelings to change behavior.
There have been many developments and advancements in psychoanalytical approaches since Freud.
Strengthening relationships and establishing and deepening support systems are essential in this jot down of therapy.
Interpersonal therapy can be effective for individuals living with mood disorders, such as depression.
This process can also help patients understand how their emotions are connected to their actions.
Family Therapy
Family counseling tackles problems that occur within the family system.
Group therapy provides an atmosphere of emotional safety and connects people experiencing similar challenges.
Group members can often learn and receive support from both the therapist and each other.
Group therapy can be advantageous for people who need a more cost-effective way to get treatment.
This can be helpful as children may not be able to express their emotional concerns directly through words.
This approach can enhance a childs social skills and communication skills.
EMDR incorporates aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
EMDR should only be performed with a licensed and certified professional due to the sensitive nature of revisiting trauma.
This demonstrates the essence of classical conditioning.
Human beings can also make associations between two stimuli when paired, leading to a learned response.
These responses can be adaptive (positive) or maladaptive (negative).
This pop in of learning association can be applied to phobias, anxiety, and fear.
Operant Conditioning
This behavioral approach is centered around the notion of reinforcement.
A persons behavior can be influenced one way or another by the resulting consequences.
Alternatively, a lack of reinforcement or an unwanted consequence can cause a decrease in a specific behavior.
A therapist can apply these principles when working with a child to reinforce wanted behaviors and extinguish unwanted behaviors.
Eventually, patients recognize that they are safe and can manage strong emotions.
Desensitizing can be especially effective with anxiety and phobias.
Gradual exposure to a distressing situation or event through imagery changes the association between the trigger and the response.
CBT teaches patients to recognize and challenge unhelpful or irrational thoughts that may influence their emotions and behaviors.
It also incorporates mindfulness.
Rational Emotive Therapy
Rational emotive therapy prioritizes recognizing and challenging dysfunctional thought patterns.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This method is rooted in meditative practices and may incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy.
It emphasizes mindfulness, or the ability to be aware and in the present.
Therapists can teach patients to tap into thoughts and feelings as they arise.
Patients can gain perspective and put space between themselves and negative thoughts.
Research demonstrates that mindfulness-based techniques are instrumental in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It focuses on the relationship between thoughts and feelings.
Adopting strategies to change thinking patterns is the focus here.
This treatment approach is effective and can be used with patients who experience depression, anxiety, orphobias.
Cognitive therapy may be combined with behavior therapy, which can provide a more comprehensive experience for patients.
Part of this process is investigating how patients view the world and themselves within the world.
Examining these connections keeps patients focused on the here and now and allows them to become active participants.
Awareness and personal responsibility are emphasized in an existential approach.
Ultimately, patients learn acceptance and to be accountable for themselves.
This therapy aims to support patients in harnessing their inner strength and reaching the best possible version of themselves.
Gestalt Therapy
This therapeutic approach encourages patients to be present and evaluate the here and now.
Gestalt therapy is not concerned with the past but more about how patients are impacted presently.
Holistic therapycan be supportive to patients managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress.
Different kinds of animals, including dogs and horses, may be used in animal-assisted therapy.
It can also enhance cognitive and motor skills.
Art therapy can be applied to a variety of populations, including children, adults, and group controls.
Summary
Many forms of therapy can treat specific mental health diagnoses and symptoms.
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