Exploring the Different Types of Therapy

As we continue our series of articles discussing the options available when help becomes necessary during these trying times, let’s take a look at some of the various types of therapy.

Previously we looked at how recent events have certainly contributed to our overall anxiety and that sometimes that level of stress becomes unmanageable on our own. That is when it is time to seek some professional help.

Once the essential first step of deciding to try therapy to manage that anxiety was established, we considered several strategies that could help to make therapy affordable.

Now we would like to dig a little deeper into the several types of therapy that are available. For that, once again, we have turned to the experts at BetterHelp.com to provide us with accurate and insightful information.

Of course the first thing you will want to do is talk to a therapist online now about which of these will be best for you. He or she will be able to help you make the decision whether Inpatient or outpatient therapy is the right choice, and also if individual or group therapy is recommended.

There are advantages to both, with groups providing an opportunity to discuss with people going through similar circumstances. Also, many people find encouragement from the group to be very helpful.

However, some people may feel more comfortable in a one on one situation, and find added benefit from private sessions. Often, a combination of the two works well. This is what we have experience with in our own family as we came through some tough times last year, so it is what we know best, but let’s also touch on the other types briefly.

After deciding group or private, the next step will be to proceed with one of the five basic types of therapy, Integrative, Humanistic, Cognitive, Behavior, and Psychoanalysis or Psychodynamic Therapies. It is also possible that some combination may prove to be best.

Integrative Therapy, which is sometimes called holistic therapy, encompasses a blend like that, with patients being treated by using some facets from all the other therapies.

With Humanistic Therapy the main focus is on how the patient relates with other people. This requires taking a hard look at choices that have been made in the past and taking responsibility for them, while acknowledging that the free will of the individual will always play a part in these decisions.

In Cognitive Therapy there is more attention paid to the thoughts of the patient rather than the actions. The idea is that changing thinking leads to changing behavior, along with the overall feelings one has about their life.

Behavior Therapy concentrates on learning and how it affects ongoing behavior. Examining early life experiences and what we take away from them helps us to understand why we do what we do now, as well as what we may do in the future. Through this, people can learn to associate current reactions and behavior with past experiences and adjust accordingly.

Lastly, Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapies try to look at the big picture by examining everything that the patient is feeling or experiencing and how that affects their unconscious mind. For it to be successful the patient and the therapist need to have a solid connection. This is another that we have some experience with and as one of the most common types of therapy, it offers opportunities to work through experiences with your therapist.

No matter which type of therapy you decide on, it is important to remember that much of this can be addressed online now. Not only does this help with safety during the pandemic, but makes things much easier by eliminating driving and by adding flexibility to scheduling. With the different types of therapy, you can also consider Sound Therapy. Read more at NatureSoundRetreat.

Of course, making the process as simple as possible is a very good thing.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com


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3 thoughts on “Exploring the Different Types of Therapy”

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