The word "therapy" describes many different things in the world of psychology. Some use it to describe theories developed by leading researchers, while others use it to explain techniques and methods a therapist uses while working with a client.
While all the above are correct, they fall under a larger category, one that is based on who is receiving treatment and how. Three main types of therapy make up this larger group: individual, group, and family therapy, all of which are discussed in detail below.
Individual Therapy
If you want to meet one-on-one with a licensed mental health or substance abuse specialist, make an appointment for individual therapy.
Individual therapy aims to teach you how to regulate emotions and improve psychological and social well-being. You can learn how to change negative thought processes to positive ones, which will, in turn, positively change your actions and reactions.
A popular technique and method often used by individual therapists is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which suggests negative thinking about yourself or your situation can lead to stress, leading to an increase in mental health problems.
CBT has sub-components that may be used in individual therapy. One example is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which teaches you how to cope with emotions influenced by challenging situations.
Self-awareness and self-exploration are other components of CBT. As you progress in individual therapy, you will likely notice an increase in self-esteem and self-worth. Also, communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and coping skills can improve.
CBT provided in individual therapy works well for treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. It is also used for eating disorders and substance use disorders.
Group Therapy
If you like learning from peers as well as a therapist, group therapy is a good option. Groups typically consist of one or two therapists and between two and fifteen participants. Most group therapy sessions are subject-specific, but topics are wide-ranging—anything from substance abuse, mental health disorders, marriage and family issues, and more.
Group therapy sessions offer peer support, which has been proven to help you feel connected and less alone in your healing journey. Group sessions can be informal, open discussions, or structured and educational.
Group therapy can improve communication skills, socialization abilities, and how to accept feedback from others without getting angry or defensive. You can also leave group sessions with great ideas and suggestions on current issues you may be having in your life.
Couples Therapy
If you and your spouse or partner are struggling with relationship issues, couples therapy can help both of you reach a resolution. Also, in couples therapy, your therapist can teach you how to improve communication skills in various formats, like speaking in person, body language, and even through electronic messaging.
Couples therapy helps you get back on the same page with how you resolve arguments, share intimacy, set short and long-term goals, and fall in love again or not. Couples therapy can also help you and your spouse end your relationship in a healthy way if you feel you must separate.
Therapists often teach you skills while in therapy and ask you to implement those skills during your time outside of treatment. Couples therapy sessions can vary, sometimes with both of you attending and at times individually..
Family Therapy
Everyone in a family has an important role. Sometimes those roles become out of balance. When this happens, the family dynamic can become dysfunctional. A few reasons for imbalanced roles can include addiction, divorces, remarriages, blending families, cancer or major health concerns, financial stress, lack of communication, and the death of a loved one.
A licensed marriage and family therapist can work with your family as a group and individually to help develop cohesion and unity. You can reestablish your family roles, learn what is expected of each of you, and be given a chance to be heard in a safe environment. Each family member becomes a valued asset no matter if your family is going through a separation, merging with another family, or strengthening your existing family.
Therapeutic Techniques
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is not just used in individual therapy. It can be used in group, couples, and family therapy also. However, there are many theories and techniques available to therapists. There are hundreds of methods from which therapists can choose.
Behavioral techniques are used to change behavioral reactions to distress. Examples include systematic desensitization, exposure therapy, and aversion therapy.
Mindfulness is used to heal the whole body by becoming more aware of what your body needs and how to meet those needs. It helps you focus on living in the present. Examples of mindfulness techniques include yoga and meditation or prayer.
Behavioral activation is a CBT technique used to treat depression. You work on building a positive support system and learning how to outweigh negative thoughts with positive ones.
Trauma-focused CBT is used for those who have post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additional techniques include positive psychology, play therapy, neurofeedback, motivational enhancement therapy, music therapy, journaling, guided imagery, Gottman Method, Attachment Theory, Developmental Theory and Family Systems Theory known as the Bowen Method..
Techniques like these increase the benefits of individual, group, couples, and family therapy.
Benefits of Therapy
Therapy, overall, offers many positive results for participants. Other than learning from a trained licensed professional, you can speak openly and honestly with the protection of confidentiality. You work on habits and traits you want to change without judgment. You get to spend time focusing on yourself for a change and get to know yourself again.
You can learn the importance of self-care and how making yourself a priority contributes to improved physical and mental health. You will find that with therapy, your personal, professional, and other relationships are enhanced. You feel empowered and more in control of your own life.
To get started with one or all these types of therapies, reach out to a state-licensed mental health professional.. Many therapists provide options to meet your schedule, including in-person and online therapy. Together, you can discover which treatment will best meet your needs.