Therapy is a lot of work. It takes you through a journey of sincere self-reflection, which is not easy for many of us to do. However, therapy can also be very rewarding, and while it can be tough at times, your hard work will pay off in the end.
The benefits of therapy are many, and there are endless types of therapy practices you can do to better your mental health. If you’re new to therapy, the process can be overwhelming and confusing. To help relieve some of the complications of what is available to you, we want to highlight the benefits and different types of therapy that you can participate in for a better quality of life.
The Benefits of Therapy
People with mental health conditions who go to therapy often see improvement in their symptoms or quality of life. However, therapy is not limited to just those who are diagnosed with mental health issues. Anyone who feels like they need someone to talk to or need some guidance can benefit from therapy.
Therapy can help you get through a challenging life event, address negative relationships with others, and can help improve your communication skills. Going to therapy can also increase self-awareness which in turn, can help you develop stronger relationships with others and learn how to deal with your emotions in a more healthy manner.
Therapy is also great for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and so much more. Getting to the root of what’s causing a mental health condition is one of the most beneficial parts of working with a therapist, and is often a process that requires outside perspective. If you don’t get to the root of the problem you have no way of knowing the proper pathway to address it.
Different Kinds of Therapy Available
There are many types of therapeutic practices available to you. Though some approaches work best for different conditions, others can help with a range of issues. In therapy, you will work with a trained mental health professional, and what you do in each appointment depends on the preferred methods of your therapist. Here’s a look at the most common forms of therapy to get a better understanding of what your options are.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. CBT is based on the core idea that certain feelings or beliefs you have about yourself, or situations in your life can lead to distress. Essentially, treatment involved efforts to change thinking patterns, which then changed beliefs and then overall changed actions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy that is based on CBT but is specifically adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. Where CBT focuses on helping people understand how thoughts affect emotions, dialectical focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them change their lives and unhelpful behaviors highlighting more so past childhood. This kind of therapy is proven effective for borderline personality disorder, self-harm, substance abuse disorder, suicidal behavior, and more.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork as a healing process. Art therapists are trained in art and psychological theory to be able to help clients express their emotions when words fail them. Art therapy uses nonverbal cues and metaphors often expressed through the creative process to help their clients cope with life changes.
How to Make a Choice
No matter which route you choose, choosing one that fits for you may take a consultation with a professional to get a vibe for the therapist and their therapeutic approach, particularly if you are struggling mentally. Whether you are having a difficult time in life right now or have a mental health issue that causes or has caused you distress, your therapist is trained to help without judgment.
Source: Crystal Raypole (2024) A Guide to Different Types of Therapy
Source: Kate Rosenblatt (2021) 12 Rewarding benefits of Therapy
Source: American Art Therapy Association (2022) What is Art Therapy?
Source: Cleveland Clinic (2022) Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Comments