Well done for taking this first step in deciding you need help for your mental health, it can be a minefield knowing what do next? There are many different types of therapy available, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you, here are a few simple explanations of the basic types of therapy available. In reality, many therapists use several types of therapy depending on the needs of the client.
The type of therapy most people think of when they think of therapy is psychodynamic therapy and the father of psychodynamic therapy is Doctor Freud. It focuses on your subconscious mind and how it affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This type of therapy can be helpful for people who are struggling with past experiences, such as trauma or abuse. It can also be helpful for people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
One of the most widely recommended and widely used forms of therapy is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It focuses on your thoughts and how they affect your behaviour. It believes our perceptions are the most important. If our thoughts and perceptions are having a negative impact on your life, you can work on changing your thoughts and perceptions. A very simply concept that, if grasped, can make big changes.
Sometimes therapists will advertise themselves as humanistic. Humanistic therapists believe that you are capable of healing yourself and that they are there to guide you on your journey. Humanistic therapy can be helpful for people who are struggling with self-esteem, relationships, or other personal issues.
Art and music therapy is also popular as it can feel less intrusive. Therapists use art and music to help you express yourself and process your emotions. It can be helpful for people of all ages, and it can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
So which do I choose?
The best way to choose the right type of therapy for you is to talk to a therapist. A therapist can help you to assess your needs and recommend the type of therapy that is most likely to be helpful for you.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a therapist:
- Your specific needs and concerns: What are you struggling with? What do you hope to achieve through therapy?
- Your personality and learning style: Do you prefer a therapist who is direct and to the point, or a therapist who is more supportive and empathetic? Do you learn best by talking, doing, or creating?
- Online or in-person: Would you like to work virtually or in person. Working vitually can widen the range.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to look for a therapist. You can ask your doctor for a referral or you can go to British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and search there.
Important:
Make sure you feel able to connect with the therapist before beginning work with them. The relationship you have with them is as important as the type of therapy used. Don’t be afraid to say that you’re going to consider other therapists as well.