Adult Therapy: What Is It?

May 18

You may be unclear where to start if you're thinking about going to adult counseling. Counseling comes in a variety of forms, and each therapist will adopt a unique approach. Here are some of the most common types of therapy and how to choose the right one for you.

Counseling Techniques

According to the American Psychological Association, counseling may take five main forms:

Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapies
Counseling is a sort of behavioral treatment.
CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy and is founded on humanistic concepts.
Integrative or holistic treatment

Two Forms Of Psychotherapy Are Psychodynamic And Psychoanalytic

Both of these treatments are quite similar. Psychoanalytic therapy is a sort of talk therapy that focuses on discovering and evaluating unconscious beliefs and their impact on a person's life. Psychodynamic therapy is based on psychoanalytic theories, however it is often shorter in length and focuses on both the client's external and interior reality.

CBT Stands For Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment

By eradicating negative behaviors, behavioral therapies try to replace them with beneficial ones. This strategy includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding, among other therapies.

CBT Is A Method Of Treatment

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a popular counseling technique for dealing with mental health and substance misuse problems. This strategy focuses on how our thoughts affect our emotions and behavior.

A CBT therapist will work with their client to recognize negative or irrational beliefs and determine whether or not they are true. They will assist the client in replacing negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones and changing their behavior.

Cognitive behavioral therapy typically involves homework in between sessions. Your therapist may advise that you write down your thoughts so that you may discuss them at your next visit. You may also be forced to participate in a certain activity. If you've been having problems speaking effectively, your therapist may suggest that you practice some of the communication methods you've acquired in therapy.

Many individuals benefit from CBT's practical, problem-solving approach. Adult therapy of this kind teaches individuals how to cope with problems more productively and how to deal with negative emotions in a healthy manner.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Is A Type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy combines psychotherapy (talk therapy) with cognitive behavioral therapy (DBT). It was created to treat borderline personality disorder, but it is currently used to treat a variety of mental diseases.

DBT focuses on mindfulness, teaching you how to recognize your thoughts and emotions as well as how to react to triggers in a healthy manner. Work on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, among other things.

Dialectical behavior therapy uses both individual and group treatment sessions. You will have one-on-one sessions with your therapist, but you will also learn from your peers in a group setting. This enables you to form a support network of individuals who are facing similar challenges.

CBT Stands For Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT)

Many people mistake cognitive treatment (CT) with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (CBT). Cognitive therapy, often known as CBT, was developed by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck in 1967 and focuses on how ideas influence emotions and behaviors. Later (in the 1970s), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was developed, which blends cognitive therapy with behavioral modification tactics. The main difference is that CBT includes a variety of behavioral techniques, while CT focuses only on changing thought processes.

Humanistic Guidance

Humanistic therapy focuses on you as an individual. The goal is to help you become the best version of yourself and to reach your maximum potential. Humanistic therapy is founded on the belief that humans are inherently good and capable of choosing good choices for themselves.

The three types of humanistic treatment are gestalt therapy, client-centered therapy, and existential therapy.

Psychotherapy Gestalt

Gestalt therapy encourages you to think about your current life. Your therapist may propose that you attempt to revisit previous situations today and analyze how they make you feel. Gestalt therapy employs a variety of techniques, including role-playing, reenactment, and guided imagination.

Existential Counseling

Existential therapy is based on the philosophical approach of the same name. This technique is founded on the notion that everyone makes their own meaning in life. The therapists that use this approach will assist you in making rational choices and realizing your full potential. Existential therapy is founded on the concepts of free will, self-determination, and the quest for meaning.

Integrative Therapy

Some therapists use a holistic approach, combining several techniques to fulfill the needs of each client. Integrative therapy gets its name from the fact that it brings together a variety of therapeutic techniques for a more comprehensive treatment. This approach works well for treating mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Which Therapy Is The Best Fit for Me?

Do you want to know which strategy is best for you? Consider your goals, or what you want to get out of therapy. You should also be aware of any particular mental health conditions you are experiencing, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance addiction.

Another item to consider is your own preferences. Which of these therapies is your favorite? Is there a particular method you think might be beneficial? Keep in mind that you have the freedom to switch therapists and try new strategies at any time. You'll eventually discover out what works best for you after some trial and error.

If you are looking for a therapist in the New York area, contact:

Creative Sanctuary Psychotherapy & Art Therapy
37 Willoughby Path, East Northport, NY 11731
(631) 493-0933