The spectrum of therapies available in therapy can be overwhelming.
There are many options, so it is important to understand the differences between different mental therapies and which targets each target.
Before you start your journey, take some time to look at the options. This section contains information about:
- Counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
- Existential therapy
- Family therapy
- Art therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
- Hypnotherapy
Do your research if you are interested in therapy. Every treatment has its pros and cons. What works for one person might not work for you.
Counseling
Counseling can be a type of talking therapy that can help with many emotional issues. Although counseling can be used to refer to a variety of talking therapies, it is also a specific type of therapy.
You can get help from counseling:
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders can affect your mental health.
- You may be concerned about certain health conditions, like infertility.
- Life’s challenges can include a loss, relationship breakdown, or work-related stress.
- You may experience difficult emotions like anger or low self-esteem.
- Other issues, such as sexual identity
Counseling is a way to talk about your feelings with a trained professional therapist.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is a popular therapy option that can be used to treat anxiety and low mood disorders.
It can also be used for:
- Panic attacks
- phobias
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Some eating disorders
CBT is based on the belief that thoughts, feelings, and actions can be connected. The way you think about a situation will impact your feelings and behavior.
Existential Therapy
Existential therapy, a type of psychotherapy, addresses inner conflicts and concerns about life.
These are the themes that existential therapy typically explores:
- Freedom and responsibility
- Meaninglessness
- Death
These issues can be faced and dealt with in existential therapy. It will also help you to recognize the freedom you have.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is different than other types of therapy in that it focuses on the whole family, not just individuals. Family therapy focuses on the relationships among family members and helps them understand one another’s experiences.
Families may find it useful – along with other mental health treatments – when:
- A relative is suffering from a serious mental disorder
- Addiction is a problem in a family member
- Family members are suffering from stress, grief, or anger.
Family therapy helps families navigate the often complex emotions and thoughts that can arise in a family setting. This can help you understand each member of your family’s views and needs.
Art Therapy
This is a type of psychotherapy that uses art and creativity to communicate and explore issues, feelings, and emotions.
This may be helpful for those with:
- Problems with mental, emotional, and behavioral health
- Learning or physical disabilities
- Life-limiting conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Physical illnesses
This therapy uses art to express emotions people may find confusing or upsetting.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (Emdr)
Eye movement desensitization (EMDR) is a form of talking therapy that was specifically designed to assist people who have suffered from traumatic events. Most commonly, it’s used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
People suffering from PTSD are often plagued by recurring thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and memories of the trauma.
EMDR is a technique where your therapist asks you to think about the trauma and then follows the movements of your therapist’s fingers, side by side, with your eyes.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy can be used to treat certain conditions or change your habits. Hypnosis can be used to induce deep relaxation and help you reach your goals with your therapist.
Although Hypnotherapy is not for everyone, some people find it to be a useful way to manage stress and anxiety.
It can be used to address issues such as:
- Pain management
- Changes in habits like healthier eating and quitting smoking are possible.
- Side effects of treatment for cancer
- Sleep problems
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias, and PTSD can be caused by mental illness.
However, further research is required to determine the true impact of hypnotherapy in these cases.