What Is Adult Therapy?
If you're thinking about going to adult therapy, you might be unsure where to begin. There are several types of counseling, and each therapist will take a different approach. Here are some of the most prevalent forms of treatment and how to pick the one that's appropriate for you.
Approaches to Counseling
Counseling can take five different forms, according to the American Psychological Association:
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic treatments
- Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Therapy that is based on humanistic principles
- Holistic or integrative therapy
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy are two types of psychotherapy
These are two therapies that are quite similar. Psychoanalytic therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on detecting and examining unconscious ideas and how they have influenced a person's life. Psychodynamic therapy is founded on psychoanalytic ideas, however it is often shorter in duration and focuses on the client's exterior as well as internal reality.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT)
Behavioral treatments aim to replace harmful habits with positive ones by removing them. This method encompasses a variety of treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a prominent counseling strategy for treating mental health and drug abuse issues. This method focuses on how our moods and behaviour are influenced by our thinking.
A CBT therapist will assist their client in identifying negative or illogical ideas, as well as determining whether or not these thoughts are true. They will help with the client to replace these negative beliefs with more positive and realistic ones, as well as change their behavior.
Between sessions, cognitive behavioral therapy frequently includes homework. Your therapist may suggest that you keep a record of your ideas so that you may address them in your next treatment appointment. You may also be required to do a certain activity. For example, if you've been having trouble communicating effectively, your therapist may advise you to put some of the communication techniques you've learned in therapy into practice.
CBT's practical, problem-solving approach helps a lot of people. This sort of adult therapy teaches people how to deal with difficulties in a more productive way and how to deal with unpleasant emotions in a healthy way.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy are combined in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but it is now used to treat a wide range of mental illnesses.
DBT emphasizes on mindfulness, teaching you how to detect your thoughts and feelings and respond to triggers in a healthy way. Emotional control, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance are all important areas to work on.
Individual and group treatment sessions are common in dialectical behavior therapy. You will meet with your therapist one-on-one, but you will also learn from your peers in a group environment. This allows you to build a support network of people who are going through similar difficulties.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive therapy (CT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are frequently confused (CBT). Cognitive therapy, like CBT, was created in 1967 by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck and focuses on how thoughts impact feelings and actions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was created later (in the 1970s) and combines cognitive therapy with behavioral modification strategies. The major distinction is that CBT employs a wide range of behavioral approaches, whereas CT focuses primarily on altering thinking processes.
Humanistic Counseling
Humanistic treatment concentrates on you as a unique person. The objective is to assist you in becoming the finest version of yourself and realizing your full potential. Humanistic treatment is based on the concept that people are essentially decent and capable of making good decisions for themselves.
Gestalt therapy, client-centered therapy, and existential therapy are the three basic kinds of humanistic treatment.
Gestalt Psychotherapy
Gestalt therapy invites you to reflect on your life right now. When you bring up old incidents, your therapist may suggest that you try to relive them now and assess how they make you feel. Role-playing, reenactment, and guided imagination are some of the strategies used in Gestalt therapy.
Existential Therapy
Existential therapy is based on the same-named philosophical approach. This strategy is based on the idea that each person creates their own meaning in life. This method's therapists will help you make reasonable decisions and realize your greatest potential. Free choice, self-determination, and the search for meaning are central principles in existential therapy.
Integrative Therapy (IT)
Some therapists use a holistic approach, employing a variety of modalities to meet the requirements of each client. Integrative therapy is named for the fact that it combines many therapeutic modalities for a more thorough treatment. This method is effective for treating complicated mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Which Therapy Is Most Appropriate for Me?
Are you trying to figure out what method is best for you? Consider your objectives, or what you hope to gain from treatment. You should also be aware of any specific mental health disorders you are dealing with, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or drug abuse.
Another thing to think about is your particular taste. Which of these treatments appeals to you the most? Is there a specific strategy you believe might be beneficial? Also bear in mind that you are free to change therapists and explore different techniques at any moment. It could take some trial and error, but you'll ultimately figure out what works best for you.