Types of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a general way of treating mental disorders by talking about it so it is also referred to as talk therapy, counseling or simply therapy. Benefits of psychotherapy include identifying the underlying causes creating adverse relationships in life, understanding them and working towards setting realistic goals.
Certain commonly used types of psychotherapy have been given below:
Art therapy:
This method makes use of the creative process of dance, music, drawing, painting and even poetry to give expression to feelings. This expression of thoughts in a positive manner has a therapeutic effect.
Behavior therapy
Three watchwords or behavior therapy are reinforcement, reward and desensitization. While the first two words are well known, desensitization means confronting an anxiety causing problem and overcoming its associated reactions.
Cognitive therapy
Cognitive means thoughts. This method of treatment deals with current issues and does not delve into the past. Experiences of the past are given importance but not the events themselves. Fresh positive ones replace the negative thoughts that are based on past experiences. Positive thoughts improve the situation.
Cognitive behavior therapy
This line of treatment works in a two fold manner. Thoughts that are unhealthy and cause conflict have to be identified. The next step is destroying these negative thoughts. Well, destruction of thoughts translates to replacing those thoughts with positive ones. Situations cannot be changed but thoughts can.Change of thoughts to positive ones changes subsequent reactions.
Dialectical behavior therapy
Is another method of cognitive therapy. It promotes stress tolerance leading to improved relationships.It is especially helpful for people with borderline personality disorders or for people with eating disorders.This treatment works by introducing conflicting statements at the same time and working out a balance producing harmony.
Exposure therapy
As the very name indicates, this method works by exposing a person to the very situation he fears. The therapist does ‘Exposure’ in a gradual and controlled manner. This exercise results in learning to deal with stressful events effectively.
Interpersonal therapy
This type of psychotherapy understands and examines the way you deal with family friend and relations. Developing strategies that work on improving the relationships follows the identification process.
Play therapy
Play method is used while dealing with children. They are given dolls, toys and other games to play with. Play method helps them give words to their thoughts. They learn to freely express what they feel and think.
Psychoanalysis
Events of the past color the present and change the future. ‘Psychoanalysis;’ a method developed by Sigmund Freud works in identifying the events of the past. This is an intensive therapy lasting many days a week with sessions continuing for years.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
This method works on similar lines of psychoanalysis but in a less intense manner and involves a shorter duration of time. The process works by understanding events of the past and forming a link between past and current reaction. Once the person understands the link, remedial cure lies in changing unwanted thoughts.
Psycho education
Family and friends are educated about the sufferers’ problem. The therapist might work in evolving strategies to deal with the illness.