What Is Psychotherapy?Psychology, also known as talk therapy, refers to techniques that help people change behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that cause problems or distress. It is an umbrella term that describes treating psychological disorders and mental distress through verbal and psychological techniques. Show
During this process, a trained psychotherapist helps the client tackle specific or general problems, such as mental illness or a source of life stress. Depending on the approach used by the therapist, a wide range of techniques and strategies can be used. Almost all types of psychotherapy involve developing a therapeutic relationship, communicating and creating a dialogue, and working to overcome problematic thoughts or behaviors. This article discusses the different types of psychotherapy that are available and the potential benefits of psychotherapy. It also covers the different conditions it can treat and its effectiveness for a variety of disorders. Types of PsychotherapyPsychotherapy can take different formats depending on the style of the therapist and the needs of the patient. A few formats that you might encounter include:
TechniquesWhen people hear the word "psychotherapy," many imagine the stereotypical image of a patient lying on a couch talking while a therapist sits in a nearby chair jotting down thoughts on a yellow notepad. The reality is that there are a variety of techniques and practices used in psychotherapy. The exact method used in each situation can vary based upon a variety of factors, including the training and background of the therapist, the preferences of the client, and the exact nature of the client's current problem. Here is a brief overview of the main types of therapy. Behavioral TherapyWhen behaviorism became a more prominent school of thought during the early part of the twentieth century, conditioning techniques began to play an important role in psychotherapy. While behaviorism may not be as dominant as it once was, many of its methods are still very popular today. Behavioral therapy often uses classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning to help clients alter problematic behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThe approach known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBT is used to treat a range of conditions including phobias, addiction, depression, and anxiety. CBT involves cognitive and behavioral techniques to change negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviors. The approach helps people to change underlying thoughts that contribute to distress and modify problematic behaviors that result from these thoughts. Cognitive TherapyThe cognitive revolution of the 1960s also had a major impact on the practice of psychotherapy, as psychologists began to increasingly focus on how human thought processes influence behavior and functioning. For example, if you tend to see the negative aspects of every situation, you will probably have a more pessimistic outlook and a gloomier overall mood. The goal of cognitive therapy is to identify the cognitive distortions that lead to this type of thinking and replace them with more realistic and positive ones. By doing so, people are able to improve their moods and overall well-being. Cognitive therapy is centered on the idea that our thoughts have a powerful influence on our mental well-being. Humanistic TherapyStarting in the 1950s, the school of thought known as humanistic psychology began to have an influence on psychotherapy. The humanist psychologist Carl Rogers developed an approach known as client-centered therapy, which focused on the therapist showing unconditional positive regard to the client. Today, aspects of this approach remain widely used. The humanistic approach to psychotherapy focuses on helping people maximize their potential and stresses the importance of self-exploration, free will, and self-actualization. Psychoanalytic TherapyWhile psychotherapy was practiced in various forms as far back as the time of the ancient Greeks, it received its formal start when Sigmund Freud began using talk therapy to work with patients. Techniques commonly used by Freud included the analysis of transference, dream interpretation, and free association. This psychoanalytic approach involves delving into a person's thoughts and past experiences to seek out unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories that may influence behavior. RecapThere are many different types of psychotherapy available. The kind that is most appropriate for you depends on a variety of factors including your preferences, your condition, and the severity of your symptoms. What Psychotherapy Can Help WithPsychotherapy comes in many forms, but all are designed to help people overcome challenges, develop coping strategies, and lead happier and healthier lives. If you are experiencing symptoms of a psychological or psychiatric disorder, you might benefit from an evaluation by a trained and experienced psychotherapist who is qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Psychotherapy is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
In addition, psychotherapy has been found to help people cope with the following:
How to Get the Most Out of PsychotherapyThe efficacy of therapy can vary depending on a wide range of factors. The nature and severity of your problem will play a role, but there are also things you can do to get the most out of your sessions, including:
BenefitsPsychotherapy is often more affordable than other types of therapy and a viable option for those who don't require psychotropic medication. You can reap the possible benefits of psychotherapy even if you just feel that there is something "off" in your life that might be improved by consulting with a mental health professional. Notable benefits of psychotherapy include:
EffectivenessOne of the major criticisms leveled against psychotherapy calls into question its effectiveness. In one early and frequently cited study, a psychologist named Hans Eysenck found that two-thirds of participants either improved or recovered on their own within two years, regardless of whether they had received psychotherapy. However, in numerous subsequent studies, researchers found that psychotherapy can enhance the well-being of clients. Verywell Mind's Cost of Therapy Survey found that 8 in 10 Americans in therapy believe it to be a good investment despite the high costs. Additionally:
In his book "The Great Psychotherapy Debate," statistician and psychologist Bruce Wampold reported that factors such as the therapist’s personality as well as their belief in the effectiveness of the treatment played a role in the outcome of psychotherapy. Surprisingly, Wampold suggested that the type of therapy and the theoretical basis of the treatment do not have an effect on the outcome. The disagreement has motivated researchers to continue to examine and study the effectiveness of psychotherapy. More recent research has shown that psychotherapy is an effective form of treatment for some anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and eating disorders as well as grief and trauma. RecapMental health conditions can create distress and make it difficult to function, but psychotherapy can help improve well-being and reduce the negative impact of many symptoms. Things to ConsiderThere are a number of issues or concerns for both therapists and clients. When providing services to clients, psychotherapists need to consider issues such as informed consent, patient confidentiality, and duty to warn. Informed consent involves notifying a client of all of the potential risks and benefits associated with treatment. This includes explaining the exact nature of the treatment, any possible risks, costs, and the available alternatives. Duty to warn gives counselors and therapists the right to breach confidentiality if a client poses a risk to another person. Because clients frequently discuss issues that are highly personal and sensitive in nature, psychotherapists also have a legal obligation to protect a patient's right to confidentiality. However, one instance where psychotherapists have a right to breach patient confidentiality is if clients pose an imminent threat to either themselves or others. How to Know If You Need PsychotherapyYou might realize that psychotherapy can help with life's problems, but it can still be difficult to seek help or to even recognize when it is time to talk to a professional. Some key signs that it might be time to see a psychotherapist are when:
A common misunderstanding about therapy among patients is that you'll immediately start to feel better, however, the reality is that it is an individual process that takes time depending on the type of psychotherapy you need as well as the severity of your symptoms. How to Get StartedPsychotherapy can be an effective treatment choice for a range of psychological issues. You don't have to wait until your life becomes so overwhelming that you can't cope to ask for help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get the help you need to live a healthier, happier life. If you feel that you or someone you love might benefit from this form of therapy, consider the following steps:
As you evaluate a potential psychotherapist, consider the following questions:
A Word From VerywellPsychotherapy can be helpful for people who are experiencing a mental health problem, but it can also be beneficial for people interested in learning new coping strategies or better understanding their own thoughts and experiences. If you are interested in trying psychotherapy, you might start by talking to your primary care physician about your options. Referrals from friends, referral services, and online therapist directories can
also be a great way to find a therapist. Which of the following methods has been successfully used to treat phobias?The most effective treatment for phobias is psychotherapy. This involves working with a specially trained therapist to change your beliefs about the feared object or situation in an effort to manage your emotional response.
Which form of psychotherapy has had especially good results in treating?Psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are considered to be particularly effective at treating certain mental disorders, such as personality disorders and mood disorders.
What is the most effective type of psychotherapy?The most robustly studied, best-understood, and most-used is cognitive behavioral therapy. Other effective therapies include light therapy, hypnosis, and mindfulness-based treatments, among others.
What are the four major approaches to psychotherapy?Approaches to psychotherapy fall into five broad categories:. Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. ... . Behavior therapy. ... . Cognitive therapy. ... . Humanistic therapy. ... . Integrative or holistic therapy.. |