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What Are The 5 Types of Talk Therapy?

The common misconception is that therapy is reserved for people with mental illnesses. However, anyone can benefit from attending therapy and the different types. Therapy is for anyone looking to work through problems in their life, cope with issues, receive emotional support, or whatever else you may need. Talk therapy is a mix of psychological techniques and methods that are used to improve one’s emotional, social, and mental health. Most psychotherapy treatments are done one-on-one between a counselor and a patient, but dependent upon your situation, the therapy can take many forms. The most obvious part of talk therapy is speaking. A therapist may still use a variety of techniques to find what works best for you and find what you respond to best. If you are looking to begin your journey with therapy, these 5 types of talk therapy are great places to get started.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This kind of therapy is very common for helping people who deal with symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, it can be used to treat many other mental health issues. The core of CBT is to focus on the present instead of the past in order to change one’s negative mindset and bring positivity into one’s life. Since this is a goal-orientated approach, you will be changing your patterns of thinking to directly improve how you feel. It is important to note that CBT does not fix physical symptoms, but helps people deal with symptoms to lessen the distressing effects. CBT is not for everyone and requires a lot of commitment and cooperation with your therapist. It is either an individual or group setting. 

2. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT is an example of talk therapy that is not entirely centered around talking. This method combines mindfulness exercise and cognitive therapy techniques to address mental health conditions. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is a type of therapy that has fixed exercises and sessions that address the condition. The main purpose of MBCT is to develop meditation and breathing techniques that are weaved into the talk therapy portion to address your emotions and thoughts. This technique is recommended to address recurring issues with mental health and is not always used as a standalone treatment. Ideally, MBCT can be used as part of a healthy routine and alongside other forms of therapy. For more information on how MBCT can be used for handling anger management, we have a separate article. Click here.

3. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

This type of talk therapy focuses on depression. Interpersonal Therapy helps you outline your issues within your relationships with your family, partners, friends, and others. CBT can also be used to reveal how you feel about your relationships and depression. The goal of this technique is to address the feelings you have from bad relationships and how this affects your future or current relationships to those around you. Typically, IPT is about 16-20 sessions because of the nature of talk therapy, but it is a great one to consider if you are suffering from a depressive disorder.

4. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy is a ‘global’ therapy because it is more holistic in approach. Whereas CBT focuses on behavior, psychodynamic therapy is the interpretation of emotional and mental processes. You will be working to find patterns from your childhood in order to gain insight into your current situations. These therapy sessions are more intense and open-ended than other approaches. Your therapist will encourage you to talk freely and openly about whatever is on your mind and then your therapist will find the patterns. The goal of this type of therapy is to enhance a client’s self-awareness and create an understanding of your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings in relation to his or her childhood experiences. 

5. Counseling

Counseling is the process of talking openly with a counselor about your feelings and problems. They are a source of support and someone who can actively help you work through difficulties in your life. If you are struggling with a long-term condition, chronic pain, addiction, or suffering from mental health problems, counseling is a great option for you. It is typically offered in 6-12 sessions, but can vary depending on your personal needs.

Each type of therapy has its own advantages. One method may work well for you while another will work better for someone else. It is all about your individual needs and your course of treatment. Remember, it is way more important that you are able to trust your therapist and feel comfortable during these sessions. If you are not working with someone who you trust, it will make your treatment process much more difficult. As you begin your journey with talk therapy, keep all of these details in mind and find the process and therapist that works best for you!

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