Therapy is a useful tool for a multitude of personal issues. 42 percent of Americans have seen a therapist or counselor in their life.
Reasons for seeking therapy range from general unhappiness to mental illness.
Therapy can help you work through emotions and internal mindsets. You can learn tools to empower and heal yourself. Or you can just talk and get out what you need to say.
If you are wondering what types of therapy are available, keep reading. Here are 8 of the most common therapy methods.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most common types of therapies used for a wide range of issues. In this model, the therapist explores the reasons for your behavior by looking at your mindset. The way you think about yourself, other people, and your problems affects your actions.
Before addressing your behavior, your therapist will help you understand your thought patterns. It’s often used to treat anxiety, anger issues, eating disorders, and depression.
You will be actively involved in your treatment with CBT; your therapist can’t do the work for you. So expect to have homework between sessions. It can be a very empowering and strengthening form of therapy.
2. Hypnotherapy
This type of therapy is often portrayed in movies and TV shows. These dramatizations tend to exaggerate the process and the results.
Hypnotherapy is a way to distract your conscious mind. It allows you and your therapist to examine the unconscious mind.
Some problems are easier to solve and treat through the subconscious. The subconscious is often where your core values, beliefs, and truths lie. To change your feelings, thoughts, and behavior, going deep can be helpful.
Hypnotherapy is often used to treat phobias and physical problems like chronic pain. Expect a calm, controlled, and safe experience for your first meeting.
3. Art Therapy
Another therapy commonly portrayed in movies is art therapy. It likely makes you think of inkblot images that a patient has to describe. This isn’t always the case.
Art therapy is a way for the client to express thoughts and feelings in a nonverbal way. Through drawing, painting, coloring, and more, you can express yourself.
This form of therapy is often helpful for those suffering from shame, guilt, and stress. It’s used in individual and group settings.
Expect your art therapist to observe you creating your art. Afterward you might discuss it with them and answer their questions. It should be a judgment-free interaction; their input should guide your own revelations.
4. Psychoanalytic Therapy
Our childhood and upbringing impact who we are as adults. Analyzing your childhood can help you learn about your issues. Psychoanalytic therapy’s goal is to make that connection and help you grow.
Repressed emotions from childhood trauma or shame can reveal themselves in strange ways. Many people find themselves with mental illness or interpersonal problems. Relationships may be a struggle.
One tactic used in this therapy is “free association”. The therapist will say a word, and the client says whatever comes to mind. Then, you discuss your answer and what it brings up for you.
Psychoanalytic therapy can be beneficial for people with PTSD and other mental illnesses. Expect your sessions to feel like open and non-judgmental discussions.
5. Animal-Assisted Therapy
It’s hard to deny the therapeutic benefits of having a pet. Even if you don’t have a pet, being around an animal can be quite soothing. This type of therapy, animal-assisted therapy, is very popular.
There are dozens of animals used for this type of therapy. The most common are dogs, horses, cats, pigs, and birds. It might mean riding a horse around the stable or sitting and stroking a dog.
Animal-assisted therapy can be beneficial for people with autism and drug addiction. The therapist may have a talking session with you while the animal is present, or after the animal leaves.
For some, owning a therapy animal is a way to treat themselves. Having a loving and furry companion can do wonders for healing.
6. The Gottman Method
The Gottman Method is a type of therapy based on the findings of the psychologist, John Gottman. He studied relationships and the factors that make them successful.
His work led to this method of therapy which is usually used with couples and spouses. It can be helpful at any stage of the relationship and at any age.
Expect to share your own ideas and beliefs about marriage with the therapist. They’ll want to understand you and your partner. After the analysis, expect some coaching on interaction and problem-solving.
When the goal of the couple is to stay together, the Gottman Method can help them achieve that goal.
7. Play Therapy
Children often don’t have the language to express their thoughts and emotions. Through play therapy, they can “act out” their feelings about different topics.
This type of therapy is often used to teach kids communication and behavioral skills. The therapist “plays” with them or observes their playing. They create a conversation the child can understand and respond with.
It’s also helpful for children in stressful situations and recovering from trauma. Expect the therapist to make your child feel comfortable and safe. It may not be a quick-results treatment but play therapy can be very effective.
8. Integrative Therapy
In some cases, one type of therapy doesn’t address all the issues at hand. Many therapists take a holistic and customized approach to their clients. Integrative therapy allows them to use many therapy methods to treat their client.
For example, hypnotherapists often use a form of talk-therapy to debrief the session. Your therapist may suggest CBT as well as rapid transformational therapy.
If you are searching for a therapist, look for those who offer integrative approaches. Therapists that have training in multiple specialties may be better able to help you.
Interested in Other Types of Therapy?
Therapy can be super beneficial for various mental and emotional issues. Choose your therapy and therapist based on your needs and their specialty.
The list above has 8 types of therapy, but there are dozens more. Research what type is best for you and always advocate for your health.
Health should be your number one priority, physical and mental. Learn more about ways to improve your health on Estilo Tendances. Let us educate and empower you to live your healthiest and happiest life!
