The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Feeling overwhelmed with life? Experiencing anxiety? You’re not alone.
Experiencing a mental health condition can be scary – and this is especially true if you don’t know where to turn or where to start to get help.
Many people face similar struggles, but the good news is that help is available. Therapy can be a valuable tool for coping with mental health challenges, but with so many types of therapy out there, and new medical technologies seemingly every minute, how do you know which treatment path is right for you?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of therapy and discover which might be the right fit for you.
Psychotherapy: A Path to Healing
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a valuable tool for anyone experiencing a mental health condition or emotional difficulties. Its aim is to lessen symptoms and enhance people’s ability to function in their everyday lives.
Psychotherapy often is used in conjunction with medication or other forms of therapy. Despite its effectiveness, statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health have shown that a significant number of people experiencing symptoms of mental, behavioral or emotional conditions don’t seek professional help.
If any of the following apply to you, it might be time to consider therapy:
- Trouble managing stress
- Consistent feelings of being overwhelmed or exhausted
- Persistent problems that seem insurmountable
- Experiencing depression or a lack of interest in life
- Struggling with anxiety
Exploring Different Therapy Approaches
Once you’ve decided to try therapy, your choice becomes what type of therapy to pursue. Below is a list of some commonly used therapy approaches:
Psychodynamic therapy: This approach aims to uncover unconscious beliefs, often rooted in childhood experiences, that influence both mood and behavior. It has been shown as effective for those dealing with self-esteem issues, depression and anxiety.
Behavioral therapy: Focused on the present, behavioral therapy seeks to understand and modify behaviors by identifying barriers to change and implementing rewards and consequences. It has proven effective for addressing phobias, substance use disorders and Obsessive-compulsive Disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT aims to replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones by integrating behavioral principles with the understanding that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are interconnected. It has shown good results in helping manage mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders and OCD.
Dialectical behavioral therapy: Developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT helps individuals build coping skills to navigate challenging emotions and improve relationships. It has been particularly helpful for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors.
Humanistic therapy: With its focus on personal strengths and self-discovery, humanistic therapy emphasizes growth and self-acceptance. It can be a good option for patients looking for existential exploration and dealing with issues like self-esteem, relationships, depression or anxiety.
Family or group therapy: This form of group therapy addresses patterns of behavior within a family unit, while traditional group therapy provides support from others facing similar challenges. This kind of therapy has shown positive results for substance use disorders, eating disorders, behavioral problems, depression, grief, trauma and family issues.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: EMDR helps process traumatic memories and stressful experiences by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain. It’s a good approach for dealing with abuse, trauma, panic attacks, grief, anxiety, depression, substance use and disordered eating. An additional approach for treating these types of mental health conditions is exposure therapy, which you can learn more about here: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/types-and-benefits-of-exposure-therapy/.
Finding Your Path
To choose which therapy approach might be the best fit for you, consider the following questions:
- What do I want to change?
- What obstacles hinder my ability to make those changes?
- How much structure do I want in my therapy sessions?
For example, if you’re experiencing compulsive behaviors like gambling or overeating, behavioral therapy might be a suitable choice. In addition, it’s essential to ask about a therapist’s approach and experience to make sure it’s in alignment with your needs and goals.
Where to Start
It’s important to start the process by getting an evaluation from a mental health professional to better understand your condition and determine which treatments are likely to work. Don’t be afraid to meet with a few different therapists to see who you click with. The therapeutic relationship is crucial to success, so finding the right fit is essential.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist and approach can greatly impact your journey toward healing and growth. Throughout treatment, communicate openly with your therapist. If something isn’t working, speak up – your feedback is valuable to the process.
Therapy takes time, so be patient with yourself and the process. It may take several sessions to see progress, and that’s okay.
Ultimately, choosing the right therapy is a personal decision that depends on your unique needs and preferences. By exploring different options, communicating openly with your therapist, and staying patient, you can find the support you need to navigate life’s challenges and improve your overall mental health.
