The decision to go to therapy is a big step in prioritizing mental health and improving overall wellness. There are many different types of psychotherapy, which may include talk therapy with a licensed mental health professional (a psychologist or psychiatrist), family or group therapy and other methods.
Before you choose a therapist, you should consider your specific needs and goals for therapy, as well as the type of therapist who best fits your personality and style. Ask about their education, background, licensing and certification. Also, find out if they accept your health insurance and what fees are associated with the services you require. You can find a therapist through a recommendation from your doctor, employer or other trusted source; through a counseling or referral service offered by your health insurance; or by searching for one on the Internet.
Talk therapy can help address problems such as relationship issues, self-esteem, eating disorders and other emotional concerns. It can also aid in coping with life changes, excessive stress, adjusting to a new living situation or treating a diagnosed mental illness. Psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication or other treatments.
During your sessions, it is important to feel comfortable sharing your feelings and thoughts openly with your therapist. However, you should know that your therapist cannot disclose any information about your treatment to anyone else without your permission, with the exception of cases of potential danger to yourself or others. For example, if you tell your therapist that you plan to hurt yourself or someone else, they must legally report this to authorities.
Different types of psychotherapy use various techniques to help you improve mental health and develop healthy thinking and behavior patterns. Some common ones include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, rational emotive therapy and exposure therapy. CBT focuses on learning to identify and challenge negative, dysfunctional thought patterns that often contribute to unhealthy behaviors. Rational emotive therapy helps patients replace irrational beliefs with more accurate thoughts, while exposure therapy is an evidence-based method to reduce anxiety by gradually exposing patients to situations that cause them distress.
There are also alternative therapies such as art therapy, animal-assisted therapy and play therapy for children. In addition, psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering and examining past experiences that may be influencing current emotions or behaviors.
Regardless of which method you choose, it is vital to understand that therapy takes time. Sessions can last for a few weeks or months for short-term issues and can take several months to years for more complex or chronic conditions. Taking an active role in your treatment, including following through on recommendations from your therapist, is key to successful outcomes. Depending on your particular situation, you may need to make changes to your diet, exercise or sleep habits as part of your treatment regimen. In some instances, you may need to attend a hospital or residential treatment program for severe or acute symptoms.
