Psychotherapy: What Type of Talk Therapy is Right for Me?
Talk therapy is effective for people struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. But there are many different types of psychological therapy, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you!
At New Era Therapy, we offer psychotherapy in South Florida to clients from different backgrounds who have different therapeutic goals, so we know the importance of finding the right option for your needs.
4 Types of Psychotherapy
Talk therapy is what mental health professionals use to communicate with their clients. There are many approaches, but here are four of the most common:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help people identify and change negative thinking patterns. It’s a short-term and goal-oriented type of talk therapy that connects our thoughts and actions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves learning how to recognize negative thoughts and feelings to replace them with more positive ones, leading to new and healthy habits. Because of its effectiveness, some believe it’s the gold standard in psychotherapy.
2. Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy emphasizes how specific life events and relationships are currently impacting you. In this type of talk therapy, the therapist may help you try to uncover and understand the unconscious mind.
CBT focuses on how your past experiences affect current behavior, allowing the client to speak about a range of issues openly. It’s typically more effective over a long period of time to allow the client to dive deep into past experiences.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally created in the 1980s to treat people with borderline personality disorder but is now also used to help people regulate emotions, increase mindfulness, and handle stress.
DBT can be particularly useful for people with mental conditions that cause intense negative emotions, especially if they’re inclined towards self-harm.
4. Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy is a client-centered approach that focuses on self-actualization and growth. The therapist helps you identify your needs and desires, as well as your strengths. Then, the therapist works with you to gain insight into what needs to be changed to reach those goals.
The humanistic approach is known as a non-directive (or client-centered) form of therapy, centered on the idea that people can help themselves. The therapist, therefore, helps you decide on changes rather than dictate what you should do.
What’s the Best Talk Therapy for You?
Knowing the basics of different types of psychotherapy can help you choose a therapist or type of treatment that seems right for you. Here’s an overview of why you may choose a certain type of therapy:
- CBT is effective for short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic needs
- Psychodynamic Therapy is effective for those who need to dive deeper into past experiences
- DBT is effective for those who need support regulating intense emotions
- Humanistic therapy is effective for those who need support meeting goals they set for themselves
New Era Therapy for Psychotherapy in South Florida
If you’re not sure what type of therapy is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! New Era Therapy in South Florida has skilled and professional therapists proficient in all types of psychotherapy and can help point you in the right direction.
Get in touch with us today at New Era Therapy if you are looking for psychotherapy in South Florida, have questions about any of these approaches, or want to book an appointment with a therapist.