Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD affect the lives of millions around the world. The best way to deal with such challenges is to seek the help of a professional therapist.
If you’re exploring therapy options for yourself or a loved one, it’s helpful to understand the different ways professionals can offer support.
From talking therapies to tailored approaches, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding what works best for you. This blog will discuss the three types of therapy available to help treat mental illnesses.
1. Talking Therapies (Psychotherapy)
Talking therapies involve one-on-one or group sessions where individuals discuss their challenges with trained therapists. Here are some of the most common talking therapies you can find:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used therapy to treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It is based on the idea that negative thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors. You learn to identify and change unhelpful patterns through CBT, fostering healthier coping mechanisms.
- How it Works: CBT sessions typically involve setting goals with your therapist and completing tasks or exercises between sessions. This approach teaches you how to manage your thoughts and break the cycle of negative thinking.
- Conditions Treated by CBT: CBT is effective for various conditions, including panic disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders like bulimia. CBT is generally used to help treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some physical health issues.
Additionally, you can also seek help from those who have documented their journey of dealing with loss, anxiety, sadness, and depression, like From Grief to Grace. Such guided self-help books fall under CBT, where you work through a program (like a workbook or journal) with support from a therapist.
Counselling
Counseling involves confidential discussions with a trained counselor to help individuals address and cope with specific life challenges. Unlike other therapies, counseling is less structured and provides a safe space to reflect on feelings and emotions.
- When It’s Recommended: Counselling may be suggested for mild to moderate depression, bereavement, fertility issues, or struggles with significant life events. Counseling is often offered as standalone sessions or as part of a more extended treatment plan.
Behavioral Activation
Behavioral activation focuses on encouraging individuals with depression to re-engage with activities they once enjoyed. The goal of this therapy type for treating mental illness is to break the cycle of inactivity and negative thoughts that often accompany depression.
- Key Techniques: This talking therapy type helps patients set achievable goals and solve problems impacting their mood. Regular sessions guide individuals toward rebuilding motivation and positivity.
2. Therapy Focusing on Relationships and Emotions
Sometimes, mental health challenges arise or worsen due to strained relationships or unresolved emotional issues. Therapy methods addressing these aspects can help rebuild mental well-being.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on how relationships impact mental health. It is especially effective for people experiencing depression caused by conflicts with family, friends, or partners.
- How IPT Works: This therapy aims to identify and resolve relational conflicts. By improving communication skills and resolving interpersonal issues, it can reduce feelings of depression.
- Who Benefits from IPT: It’s suitable for individuals with mild to moderate depression who haven’t responded well to therapies like CBT.
Couple Therapy
When depression stems from relationship problems, couple therapy (also known as behavioral couple therapy) can be invaluable. This type of therapy involves partners working with a therapist to address underlying conflicts affecting mental health.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic therapy examines how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence present behaviors. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with depression or those whose challenges are deeply rooted in their childhood experiences.
- How It’s Conducted: One-on-one sessions involve exploring unresolved emotional issues. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is often needed for depression and some chronic health conditions.
3. Specialized Therapies
Some therapies target specific mental health conditions, offering unique approaches to recovery.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapy designed to help individuals process traumatic memories, making it highly effective for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- What to Expect: This therapy helps the brain reprocess distressing memories using guided eye movements or other forms of rhythmic stimulation. Although EMDR can be emotionally intense, it provides relief from intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares over time.
- Duration of Treatment: A course typically involves 8 to 12 sessions, which may vary based on individual needs.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT combines mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, with elements of cognitive therapy. It is particularly effective for preventing recurrent depression and managing anxiety.
- Focus of MBCT: This therapy emphasizes staying present and developing awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment. By doing so, individuals learn to respond to stress more constructively.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a relatively newer approach that encourages individuals to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty about them.
- Core Principle: This therapy fosters acceptance while motivating people to commit to behaviors that align with their values and goals.
How to Choose the Right Therapy
Finding the right therapy generally depends on your specific needs, mental health condition, and personal preferences. Here are some tips:
- Research Your Options: Explore the benefits of different therapies, such as CBT for structured problem-solving or IPT for relationship-centered challenges.
- Consult Professionals: Seek advice from your GP or an experienced therapist who can recommend suitable therapies based on your mental health goals.
- Try Self-Help Resources: Platforms like the Every Mind Matters website provide CBT techniques and mindfulness tools that you can use at home.
Understanding the types of therapy available can make a significant difference in seeking mental health support. From CBT and counseling to specialized approaches like EMDR and mindfulness-based therapy, there are solutions tailored to various needs.
With the certified therapists offering many of these therapies online, access to support has never been easier. Whether you opt for talking therapies, emotional relationship-based approaches, or specialized treatments, taking the first step toward therapy can be transformative.
We hope that you found your answer to the question: What are the three types of therapy available to help treat mental illnesses? To sum it up, it is recommended to consider exploring talking therapies, relational approaches, and specialized techniques to find the right fit for you or your loved one.
Remember, help is available, and you don’t have to face mental health challenges alone.
