What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of therapy? Probably a patient, a comfortable couch, and a therapist with a notepad.
Nevertheless, not all methods are as traditional as talk therapy. There are numerous other methodologies, such as psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, group therapy, personal coaching, etc. The objective of all methods is to provide a nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel safe and relaxed to discuss their problems.
Learn more about the most popular therapy types in Albuquerque.
Psychoanalytic
Psychoanalytic therapy is among the most well-known methodologies invented by Sigmund Freud. In the course of psychoanalytic sessions, therapists spend most of the time listening to their patients talking about their lives. While listening to the stories of patients, therapists try to find patterns or crucial events that might have an influence on the current problems of clients. Read more about the history and development of psychoanalysis.
According to psychoanalysts, the events from one’s childhood, along with his/her thoughts and unconscious feelings, influence mental illnesses. Even though many critics consider psychoanalysis time-consuming and insufficiently effective, it also offers a range of benefits. These therapists provide patients with an emphatic environment, free of judgment, where they feel safe to reveal their feelings related to stressful life events.
Moreover, this information sharing sometimes helps these professionals detect the root of the current issues of patients. Also, individuals feel less stressed and more relieved after sharing their tension and issues with another person.
Cognitive-behavioral
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, on the other hand, is only focused on the resolution of specific problems. Therapists using this method consider faulty perceptions and irrational thinking responsible for causing certain dysfunctions. They work with patients to alter their thought patterns, which is effective in clients suffering from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, marital problems, mental illnesses, drug, and alcohol use, etc.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapists use special methods for addressing phobias and fears, like systematic desensitization and flooding. By using the systematic desensitization method, they target irrational fears via gradual exposure. Let’s suppose a patient suffers from severe acrophobia, referring to the fear of heights. He/ She will be encouraged to face its phobia step by step through experience.
Nowadays, exposure to heights doesn’t have to be real, as virtual reality has almost identical effects. Instead of being accompanied by your therapist to the roof of a skyscraper, you can have the same experience in their office by using virtual reality equipment.
In general, this methodology is used as a tool for changing cognitive distortions, emotion management, and dealing with anxiety and depression. After the first appointment, each patient is provided with a unique treatment plan.
Group therapy
Group therapy, as the name explains, refers to the methodology of attending sessions with a couple more individuals. It’s doubtlessly more cost-effective when compared to individual sessions. Nevertheless, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not effective. In fact, this methodology is considered the best format for support groups, where members in the group find the experiences of others helpful in their own situation.
Furthermore, group therapy is a great solution for individuals dealing with problematic behavior or mental illnesses. There is a wide range of mental health and counseling services in Albuquerque, such as https://ecmentalhealth.com/albuquerque-nm/, provided by licensed mental health counselors. These counselors make sure people feel less isolated, alone, and different than the others, which is the benefit of attending group sessions. Peer support is extremely beneficial, as the rest of the people in the group share the same symptoms as you or approach the end of their recovery.
Hypnotherapy
Last but not least, hypnotherapy is another popular methodology. Although some individuals aren’t convinced of its validity, it’s considered successful by many. It refers to a method when patients are brought to a state close to sleep, during which their therapist suggests thinking and behavior changes.
Hypnotherapy is believed to be incredibly successful in the treatment of addiction and eating disorders. It also helps therapists find the root cause of disorders and stimulate patients to explore their memories. The state of mind accessed through hypnotherapy isn’t the same as the normal mental state.
In conclusion
Each methodology is beneficial in a specific way.
Find your match!