6 Different Types of Therapy

Therapy is an effective way to treat and manage mental health. It has been proven that therapy is a great treatment option for people with various mental health disorders. You can still benefit from therapy even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental health problem.

During therapy, you’ll work with a licensed mental health professional who will help you work through the issues that led to you seeking counseling. The length of time you spend in therapy depends on what issues you’re addressing and what goals you’ve set with your therapist. Some people spend several months in treatment, while others may need to work with a therapist for a few years.

If you’re considering therapy, you may be curious about the different types and which one will best suit your needs. Here are six types of therapy and how they can help you.

#1 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy. It can be a helpful tool for treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. However, you don’t have to have a diagnosed mental health disorder to benefit from CBT; this therapy can also help you learn to manage stressors in life.

CBT works by helping you find ways to change your thought patterns. This is done by exploring harmful or inaccurate thinking and challenging situations to help you learn how to handle them better. You’ll focus on how thoughts and beliefs can influence feelings and behaviors during CBT.

Going to therapy for the first time can be challenging, and you may have difficulty opening up to your therapist initially. Naturally, your therapist will do their best to ensure you feel comfortable. However, CBT can positively impact your life and help you find ways to cope with challenges. With this type of therapy, you may have one-on-one sessions, group sessions, or both.

#2 Dialectal Behavior Therapy

Dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) is another type of talk therapy most effective for individuals who struggle to manage and regulate their emotions. DBT has been proven to treat various mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, anxiety, suicidal behavior, and substance use disorders (SUDs). It’s also sometimes used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

DBT can teach you coping skills and how to change negative behaviors. During DBT, your therapist will help you learn to balance two different perspectives at once. This will shift the way you think about yourself and specific situations.

This type of therapy consists of four stages.

Identifying and Managing Behaviors

Stage one occurs at the beginning of treatment and addresses severe self-destructive behaviors. This stage is about identifying and managing these behaviors.

Developing Emotional Regulation Skills

In stage two, the goal is to get you to an emotionally healthy place. This can include looking at emotional regulation skills and the ability to handle distress.

Building Self-Esteem

Next, stage three aims to focus on building your self-esteem and self-respect so that you can find happiness. This stage also focuses on interpersonal relationships and how to cope with life’s ups and downs.

Finding Deeper Meaning

Finally, stage four focuses on helping you find a deeper meaning in your life. At this point in treatment, the goal is to explore your life purpose and learn how to experience joy to live a fulfilling life.

#3 Art Therapy

Art therapy focuses on using artistic methods of self-expression through various visual art mediums to treat mental health disorders. Working with a qualified art therapist can help you learn to open up and express yourself.

This therapy is ideal for people who exhibit strong emotions and can help develop self-awareness and self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, according to Frontiers in Psychology, art therapy can produce a significant positive effect on negative symptoms.

Creating art can be a great healing strategy that allows you to express yourself and let out any painful emotions you may be experiencing. Some techniques that may be used in art therapy include painting, drawing, coloring, and collage making. In addition, art therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapy modalities such as CBT or group therapy.

#4 Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy is provided by a mental health professional and uses different adventure activities to improve your physical, spiritual, social, and mental well-being. This therapy can help you, your family, and groups work through mental health issues. Adventure therapy is an effective treatment for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, SUDs, and grief.

The three main types of adventure therapy include:

1. Wilderness therapy, Adventure-based therapy, Long-term residential camping

#5 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy created to alleviate trauma-related symptoms. It’s most effective for PTSD treatment but has also been used to treat other mental health disorders. When undergoing EMDR, you’ll recall memories of a traumatic event and process the memory using eye movements and guided instructions from a trained professional.

#6 Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy involves using specific tools and activities to recreate situations that have occurred in your life. For example, you may engage in role-play or use props to develop an awareness of thoughts and feelings. Experiential therapy can help you release negative thoughts and feelings surrounding certain situations.

Therapy is a great tool to help you overcome obstacles you may face in life or assist you in managing a mental health disorder. Working with a therapist can significantly improve your quality of life by allowing you to work through and process difficult emotions. There are different types of therapy, and finding which one works best for you is essential. Here at Alter Wellness Care, we offer a wide variety of therapy modalities to help you become a healthier you. We provide outpatient mental health care and work with clients seeking mental health treatment. If you’re dealing with mental health struggles, receiving proper treatment is essential to managing your well-being. We care about helping you live a fulfilling and joyous life. If you or a loved one is ready to receive help, contact Alter Wellness Care today by calling (866) 311-3510.