With multiple treatment options to consider, seeking help for mental health or addiction can be confusing. Therapy is usually a core component of any treatment program, but it can also be found as a standalone treatment. There are various types of therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, so it is helpful to familiarize yourself with them before scheduling an appointment with a therapist.
At Right Step Hill Country, we strive to fulfill all our clients’ needs by offering various treatment programs for mental health and addiction, including residential and outpatient treatment. Reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628 with questions about our psychotherapy options and which might be the best fit for you.
Types of Psychotherapy
Before enrolling in a therapy program, it is helpful to learn more about the different types of psychotherapy and understand some of the related terminology. There are many different modalities or therapeutic approaches; however, these are the most commonly used types of psychotherapy:
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is regarded as one of the most versatile forms of therapy since it is applicable to so many conditions. The core philosophy of CBT is that emotional distress—whether related to mental health disorders or addiction—is often caused by or related to distorted thought patterns. These unhelpful thought patterns tend to lead to equally unhelpful behaviors that only reinforce feelings of anxiety and depression.
CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns. Changing these thoughts also changes your behaviors, creating a positive momentum.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
While CBT is the most versatile type of therapy, it may not be the most effective modality in all situations. People struggling with especially turbulent emotions, which are common with borderline personality disorder or severe substance use disorders, may not obtain a desirable outcome through CBT alone.
In cases like these, the person may benefit more from dialectical behavior therapy, which combines CBT strategies with mindfulness techniques. Adding mindfulness to the treatment helps with emotional regulation and stress management.
DBT also differs from CBT because it emphasizes accepting and validating difficult emotions before attempting to change them. Once a person with a challenging condition learns to accept their volatile emotions, their resistance to change may lower, and their efforts to restructure their thoughts will yield better results.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy examines how past experiences and unconscious patterns impact current behaviors and issues in one’s life. This form of therapy is especially helpful for resolving childhood trauma, which is a strong contributor to mental health conditions and addiction.
Choosing the Right Type of Psychotherapy
Whether you are seeking mental health counseling, addiction counseling, or a combination of the two, the most effective type of psychotherapy will depend on your individual needs. Consider the following:
- Have you experienced past traumas?
- Are you looking to manage depression or anxiety?
- Have you been diagnosed with or suspect you may have borderline personality disorder or another condition involving destructive emotions?
- Are you struggling with a substance use disorder?
- Have you tried therapy before but did not find it helpful? What type of therapy was it?
Most people find that cognitive-behavioral therapy guides them toward the changes they need to make to find relief from emotional distress and reduce triggers for substance misuse. However, you should leave yourself open to different options based on what is going on in your life. Each person’s therapy needs are just as unique as they are.
Call Hill Country Today for Mental Health and Addiction Counseling
Psychotherapy is one of the most valuable resources for anyone struggling with mental health issues or addiction. Schedule an intake assessment with Hill Country so we can help you discover which of our psychotherapy options would be most beneficial for you. Call 1.844.675.1628 or fill out our online form today.