How to Choose the Right Type of Psychotherapy

Today, we have completely different perceptions of mental health. Just 40 or 50 years ago, we were quick to dismiss anyone who suffered from depression or anxiety, labeling it as a temporary state of mind. However, as science changed, so did our approach.

According to the World Health Organization, every 1 out of 8 people are suffering from some sort of mental ailment. The number of mental issues is even higher in the US, revolving around 20%. The only good side is that many people nowadays receive medical assistance for their issues.

Patients have all sorts of treatments at their disposal. While this is fantastic in its own regard, it also makes it difficult for a person to choose the right therapy. So, to improve outcomes, it is recommended for patients to learn more about their particular issues and potential solutions.

Available Therapy Modalities

Psychotherapy modality refers to a set of tools and tactics therapists implement to assist their patients achieve specific goals. It’s worth noting that medical professionals might prefer this or that modality depending on the patient’s needs and the type of therapy.

For example, many doctors who focus on psychoanalytic therapy will use dream work, catharsis techniques, and talk therapy in their daily work. On the other hand, you have something such as dialectic behavioral therapy that revolves around psychoeducation and mindfulness.

“Keep in mind that these techniques are just the tip of the iceberg,” warns Westside Psychology Group, a psychodynamic therapist in New York. Other tools include art therapy, play therapy, somatic experiences, family therapy, yoga therapy, imago therapy, and just about anything else that would help a person overcome trauma and find their peace of mind.

4 Main Types of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy types and modalities go hand in hand. Each type of therapy is looking to achieve a certain goal, which is why we implement a modality that is best suited for that particular objective.

1.    Psychodynamic Therapy

As one of the oldest mental treatment methods, psychodynamic therapy researches how events in your life affect your current mental state. During the treatment, you’ll talk about your relationships, traumas, and past choices and try to determine how they affected your personal development.

The main objective of this type of treatment is to discover the root causes of certain behaviors while trying to analyze negative feelings. The therapist takes a deep dive into a person’s internal conflicts and repressed emotions. Psychodynamic therapy is especially great for those suffering from depression and might also help uncover forgotten memories.

2.    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, is based on the simple premise that our thoughts are the driving force behind each type of behavior and emotion. CBT is a short-term approach during which therapists crystalize objectives during the first few sessions.

Together with medical experts, patients will talk and explore links between their emotions, thoughts, and behavior. The main benefit of this type of medical treatment is that it helps you discover “thinking traps.” In other words, a patient will learn how to recognize wrongly assumed beliefs that lead them to negative emotions and volatile behavior.

Upon discovering these damaging patterns, patients have the chance to slowly alter their thinking in its roots. For example, CBT teaches you how to think rationally while setting aside any prejudice. An interesting thing about cognitive-behavioral therapy is that it also relies on homework to be effective.

3.    Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a variation of CBT. During sessions, the therapist teaches his clients how to regulate their emotions in different situations. DBT also teaches people how to handle daily stress, improve relationships with friends and family, and how to maintain their peace of mind.

Perhaps the best thing about dialectical behavior therapy is that you can use it in all sorts of situations. The approach was initially used for borderline personality disorder, but scientists have soon discovered that this methodology works for many other conditions besides this one.

The main lesson of DBT is that every experience we have, whether it’s positive or negative, is real. Even when we feel bad about something in our lives, we’re meant to affect our disposition by implementing mindfulness and tolerance techniques.

4.    Humanistic/Experiential Therapy

This particular approach is very interesting as it focuses on our basic instincts and nature. Unlike other tactics, it doesn’t focus on specific behaviors or emotions. Humanistic/experiential therapy takes into account human mental progression over the years and our ability to grow from every experience and heal ourselves.

During this type of therapy, medical experts rely on two main modalities: Gestalt therapy and person-centered therapy. With Gestalt therapy, the patient focuses on their current experiences and feelings instead of trying to uncover how they reached this point. The approach utilizes various experimental techniques such as reenacting and role-play.

Person-centered therapy, on the other hand, revolves around the concept of personal decision-making. We all have the power to make a decision on how to live our lives. Instead of tackling clients’ problems head-on, psychotherapists empower them to create an environment suitable for their sensitivity and personal desires.

Which One to Choose?

If you never went to therapy, it might be hard to select one of these options. This is why we recommend that you take the necessary steps to find the right solution:

• First off, you should shortlist reputable therapists based on their specialization. Try experts who specialize in CBT and then select potential candidates for psychodynamic therapy.
• Go for a few sessions with each professional to see how you like their approach and therapy type.
• Don’t force yourself to like a certain methodology. If things are not going well, consider a different solution.
• You can also consult with a renowned expert who uses a few of these approaches. Ask them what they would recommend for your particular case.

It’s vital that you take your time selecting the right therapy and therapist. Mental recovery is a long-term process, so you’ll need someone who’ll be there every step of the way.