Types of Psychotherapy
There are various types of psychotherapy, all with their own sets of benefits. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, allows for individuals to have a conversation with a therapist and work through past or current problems. A therapist can help make connections and provide insight.
Psychotherapy has been proven effective in improving symptoms of various mental illnesses by many studies. The therapy can be offered in an individual, couple, family, or group setting. For many, psychotherapy is used alongside other forms of treatment.
The following list consists of commonly used types of psychotherapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) brings focus to one’s thought pattern, feelings, and behaviors. During this type of therapy, a therapist works to help uncover unhealthy patterns of thought. After these problems are addressed, the individual and therapist can work together to build more constructive of ways thinking and feeling.
Studies have found CBT to be effective in the treatment of many mental health disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and more.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT but in addition emphasizes validation and accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than struggling with them. Allowing individuals to come to terms with their troubling thoughts or emotions can help them work towards recovery. Overtime with DBT, individuals will learn essential coping strategies.
DBT has been proven effective by many studies showing significant and long-lasting improvements to mental illness symptoms. It is used to treat many types of mental illnesses, but is most commonly used to treat patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on identifying anxiety triggers and learning techniques to cope with them. By having a person confront their triggers in a controlled environment, they can practice managing their anxiety.
Exposure therapy is most commonly used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving one’s interpersonal skills and relationships. This therapy helps individuals recognize negative patterns within their social interactions, and helps them learn strategies to interact positively with others.
Although interpersonal therapy is most often used to treat depression, it has also been found to be effective in the treatment of various other mental illnesses.
Learn More
To learn more about types of psychotherapy, we recommend speaking with your health care provider and reading the following resources:
NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Psychotherapy
NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies
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