Contrary to popular belief, psychotherapy is NOT just for the “mentally ill”. There are many different types of psychotherapy and anyone could benefit from them. The most common form of psychotherapy is CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There is also DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), ERP (Exposure Response Prevention), Psychodynamic and more. The phrases “talk therapy” and “psychotherapy” are umbrella terms referring to these methods. While they are used for treatment, therapy can also be used as an everyday tool for someone to help work through problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
CBT: Short for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT is one of the most common types of talk therapy today. This method aims to change negative thought patterns rather than focusing on the past. In CBT you learn new skills that you can apply in the future when dealing with mental health issues.
DBT: Similar to CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, helps (but is not limited to) those with Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, and/or Eating Disorders. Overall, DBT therapy helps refine skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
ERP: This is a hands-on method used for cases of disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Exposure Response Prevention therapy is a means of exposing a person to whatever it is that makes them uncomfortable and triggers intrusive thoughts or compulsions over and over in order to desensitize them to it. It can be a difficult kind of therapy but is proven to provide positive results when done regularly.
Psychodynamic: This type of psychotherapy focuses on relationships within an individual’s life. It involves dealing with one’s emotions and using them to resolve inner conflict and past trauma.
Humanistic Therapy: This is the one you see on television and is the type of therapy that is best suited for those who simply need a listening ear or guidance. Humanistic therapists provide unconditional positive regard, which means that despite their own beliefs, they will accept and help you better understand your own feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
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