If you're feeling overwhelmed by life or struggling with a mental health issue, therapy may be the answer for you. But with so many different types of therapy available, which one is right for you? Here are five types of therapy that are worth considering.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
When it comes to therapy, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different people will respond to different types of therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. With that in mind, here are five types of therapy that are worth considering.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve mood and behavior. CBT treats various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on helping people process their trauma memories. EMDR therapy effectively treats conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. EMDR typically involves bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or auditory cues) while the client brings up traumatic memories. Also, EMDR can be used to treat other conditions such as grief, performance anxiety, and body dysmorphic disorder.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This therapy focuses on helping you understand the unconscious forces that influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy treats depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse effectively.
Psychodynamic therapy typically lasts 6-24 months and is usually performed in an individual setting. In some cases, psychodynamic therapy may also be recommended for patients who do not respond well to other therapies. This may include patients who have chronic mental illness or personality disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people learn to manage their emotions. It effectively treats conditions like borderline personality disorder, depression, and eating disorders. Also, DBT helps reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. ACT treats anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and substance abuse. If you're looking for an ACT therapist, the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science has a list of providers.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the different types of therapy available. But these five types of therapy may be worth considering if you're feeling lost or struggling with a mental health issue. Talk to your doctor or therapist to see which therapy is right for you.