Making the decision to go to therapy can be a difficult and overwhelming decision. Therapy can help with many mental health issues ranging from depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety and many more. It is important to look at the many diverse types of therapists before booking in with one, as there are a wide range of therapists for varied reasons.
Some of the different therapists out there and what they cover.
- Psychiatrists are the medical doctors who will prescribe medication to patients to take alongside doing psychotherapy.
- Psychologists are not much different to psychiatrists, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
- An LPC (Licensed Professional Counsellor) or LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counsellor) are great forms of counselling. Counsellors like these can help people develop learning strategies to cope with their emotions. Also help them develop better relationship with their mental health state.
- LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) have a master’s degree in social work. Although it is more common that licensed clinical social workers will work in community-based fields. Some social workers also have private practices.
Some of the common types of therapy and their benefits
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a short-term therapy which focuses on changing the way you relate to your thoughts. They also help determine how your thoughts then affect your behaviour. CBT is not just one technique, it involves a range of techniques, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Therapy.
Benefits of CBT: CBT benefits mostly people who suffer from Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Panic Attacks, or bipolar disorder. Other Behaviour-based therapies are also extremely useful for addiction, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and Phobias.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy) is a type of psychotherapy that can be used to treat symptoms of PTSD. Be sure the therapist you choose is certified to use this technique and done correctly, it can be incredibly successful.
Benefits of EMDR: EMDR is mostly beneficial to someone who has experienced a deeply stressful event. One that has caused extreme anxiety or someone who has experienced trauma.
- DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is a form of therapy that is based around learning acceptance strategies and problem-solving techniques.
Benefits of DBT: DBT may be best if you have tried other therapies that have not worked in the past. It is usually used to treat issues such as eating disorders, destructive thought patterns, self-harm and borderline personality disorder.
- Psychoanalysis is a form of therapy that can be useful for bringing unconscious personal issues to the surface. They can then be dissected and hopefully resolved.
- Psychodynamic Therapy is closely related to Psychoanalysis, and it is another type of psychotherapy, just a little simpler. The therapist will get to know your beliefs, life experiences and your feelings. This is to try and help you recognise and change recurring patterns that you are experiencing. It can either be short-term (a few months) o
Ways to find your perfect therapist:
- Research and gather a list of therapists in your area who deal with your mental health needs.
- Check these therapists are certified.
- Call each individual therapist, gather any information, and express any concerns or questions you may have.
- Express any preferences you may have, for example, whether you would like a male or female therapist.
- Do you feel confident talking to this person?
- Do you feel you can be completely honest with this person?
For a perfect fit, therapy should be an open line of communication. Therapy may be challenging and uncomfortable sometimes, but it should always feel safe.
Hopefully, this can put you in the right direction in finding the perfect therapy for you. And remember, you are not alone in this. There is always someone to reach out to.
