Therapy is not just “talking about your problems”; it is also working toward solutions.
During Counselling we can provide you with a broad range of coping skills and life strategies to assist you to better manage the challenges that life may be throwing your way.
Psychological therapy can be an effective way to address a wide range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship problems. However, with so many different types of therapy available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll explore four different types of therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) – and provide some tips on how to choose the one that might work best for you.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The basic premise of CBT is that negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to negative feelings and behaviours, and that by identifying and changing those thoughts and beliefs, we can improve our mental health. CBT is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, as well as other mental health issues such as eating disorders and addiction.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a type of therapy that helps people learn to accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and to commit to taking actions that align with their values. The idea behind ACT is that it’s not always possible to eliminate negative thoughts and feelings, but we can learn to live with them and still pursue a fulfilling life. ACT is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, as well as other issues such as workplace stress and relationship problems.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy is a type of therapy that is specifically designed to help people who have experienced trauma. The focus of trauma-informed therapy is on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can process their experiences and develop coping strategies to manage the effects of trauma. Trauma-informed therapy can be helpful for people who have experienced a wide range of traumatic events, from childhood abuse to car accidents and natural disasters.
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT is a type of therapy that emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and compassion for others. The basic idea behind CFT is that by cultivating a sense of compassion, we can develop greater resilience and well-being, as well as stronger relationships. CFT is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, as well as issues such as chronic pain and relationship problems.
So, how do you choose which type of therapy might work best for you? Here are a few tips:
- Talk to your psychologist. A psychologist can help you understand the different types of therapy and which one might be best suited to your specific needs.
- Consider your goals. What are you hoping to achieve through therapy? Do you want to overcome a specific fear or phobia? Manage difficult emotions? Improve your relationships? Different types of therapy may be more or less effective for different goals.
- Think about your personality and learning style. Some people may prefer a more structured approach like CBT, while others may prefer a more flexible and experiential approach like ACT. Consider what kind of approach might work best for you.
- Be open-minded. It’s important to remember that different types of therapy can be effective for different people. If you try one type of therapy and it doesn’t work for you, that doesn’t mean that therapy as a whole isn’t right for you. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different options until you find the right fit.
In conclusion, there are many different types of psychological therapy available, and it can be challenging to know which one is the best fit for you. By considering your goals, personality, and learning style, and by talking to a mental health professional, you can find new ways of coping with life’s challenges.
If you would like to book an appointment for yourself or for a client please do contact us. At Foundation Psychology our psychologists are trained in many different approaches. While the ones summarised above all psychologists have skills and training in, there are many other types that can also help, some of which are summarised below.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT is designed to help manage interpersonal difficulties. This can help your family and you by helping you all in achieving effective communication. IPT can also help you to develop social well-being. This works by putting the focus on unresolved grief, role conflicts, role transitions and social isolation.
Long Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Sometimes the above short term approaches don’t work because the problems are more deeply rooted. In such cases psychoanalytic psychotherapy might be recommended. Learn more about psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy: Mindfulness is all about changing your state of mind, so instead of focusing on future worries or past regrets, opening your mind to the present moment with openness, curiosity and flexibility. Easier said than done! Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed through practice; meditation is just one way amongst many of cultivating mindfulness.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a new form of cognitive and behavioural therapy which can assist you to better manage negative emotions and help you to live a more meaningful life.
Problems that the above therapies have been shown to be effective for include:
- Adjusting to life stressors and maximising happiness
- Anger Management
- Anxiety and Stress
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chronic Pain
- Crisis Intervention
- Depression
- Eating Disorders and body image issues
- Fears (Phobias)
- Grief and Loss
- Issues affecting Older Adults
- Obsessive-Compulsive behaviours
- Panic Attacks
- Post-natal Depression and Women’s Health
- Post-Traumatic Stress (following traumatic events)
- Relationship Issues
- Return to Work
- Schizophrenia
- Sleep Management
- Substance Abuse and Dependence
- Weight Loss Management
We all need support at various times in our life. Our friends and family can be great support. However for various reasons you may not have any friends or family that you can ask for support, or they may be part of what you are struggling with. In all cases having an external person who is solely there to support you with proven counselling strategies can make a big difference in your ability to cope and move forward to a more satisfying life.