Often, people feel stuck in negative or unproductive patterns and behaviors. A therapist can help them identify and change these habits to improve their quality of life.
Psychotherapy involves different types of counseling techniques. This article will discuss a few clinically proven treatment approaches that are available for individuals suffering from trauma or other mental health disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
For many mental health issues, cognitive behavioral therapy is a successful treatment. It has been shown to help individuals suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy aims to help patients cope with these conditions and improve their quality of life. This type of therapy can be used with other treatments, such as medication.
For many mental health issues, cognitive behavioral therapy is a successful treatment. It also focuses on the difference between helpful and unhelpful thoughts and how to change them. It is a short-term treatment to improve the individual’s quality of life. It is often offered by psychiatric doctors, psychologists, some general practitioners with mental health training, and some nurses and counselors.
Generally, CBT involves weekly sessions with Seattle therapists and includes homework, which helps the patient learn coping skills. While CBT is a relatively new form of psychological treatment, it is based on scientific evidence and is effective in many clinical trials. It is also highly cost-effective.
A recent meta-analysis showed that CBT moderates QoL, although more research is needed to determine the exact impact of moderating factors. The study’s authors identified two subtypes of CBT that have more significant effects on QoL: ACT OPEN, which targets acceptance and cognitive defusion, and ACT ENGAGED, which targets values-based activation and persistence.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is an empirically supported treatment for mood disorders. It was developed to treat major depressive disorder but has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of eating disorders, perinatal depression, bipolar disorder, and more. IPT focuses on current, significant relationships and emphasizes the role that these relationships play in a patient’s emotional distress. It is distinct from traditional psychodynamic approaches, as it does not examine past patterns or focus on internal conflicts.
During the first phase of IPT, the therapist evaluates the client’s symptoms and reviews medical history and previous therapeutic experiences. The therapist will then identify the interpersonal problem area that needs to be addressed. For example, the therapist may help a client process grief or work through an ongoing disagreement with a spouse.
Studies show that IPT reduces depression, anxiety, and irritability. It also increases interpersonal functioning and reduces bulimia, alcohol abuse, and drug addiction. Its effectiveness is due to several mechanisms, including improved attunement to emotions and a more remarkable ability to express feelings in a therapeutic relationship. However, it is essential to note that these effects are only temporary. The primary goal of IPT is to help clients resolve their interpersonal problems. This is accomplished through a short (16-week) acute treatment phase and monthly follow-ups. The therapist will also teach patients strategies to manage their relationships outside therapy.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of CBT that teaches skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and regulate your mood. It is a complex treatment that requires commitment and time. It also involves a significant amount of homework between sessions. You can locate a therapist who provides this treatment through online databases, referrals from mental health specialists, or even your primary care physician. You can also contact a community health clinic or insurance company to find an in-network provider.
To comprehend the origins and effects of your actions, a DBT therapist will employ in-depth behavioral analysis. They will also teach you to practice behaviors that promote quality of life. DBT focuses on addressing self-destructive behavior, such as suicide attempts and self-injury. It is often used for people with borderline personality disorder and eating disorders. DBT is also helpful for people who have comorbid Axis I and II disorders.
DBT research demonstrates that the therapy significantly reduces suicidal behaviors, depression, and anxiety. It also helps people better tolerate pain, increase their meaning and joy, and build healthier relationships with loved ones. Studies show that DBT is more cost-effective than standard treatment. Moreover, it can be implemented in an outpatient setting and reduce societal costs associated with inpatient hospital days.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy helps people explore past experiences, including childhood ones, to understand how those experiences may affect their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This allows them to understand their problems better and develop coping techniques that will improve their quality of life in the long term.
While many modern types of therapy focus on mitigating or getting rid of a person’s symptoms, psychodynamic treatment takes a more global approach by exploring a person’s deep-rooted drives and needs. It also explores the way a person interacts with other people. This process is known as transference.
Studies demonstrate the efficaciousness of psychodynamic therapy in the management of several psychiatric diseases, including depression and anxiety. It can also help with substance abuse issues, such as addiction to cocaine and heroin.
It also has the added benefit of improving relationships. This is because it encourages people to express their feelings and learn how to respond healthily. In addition, it can help a person gain more control over their emotions, improving their quality of life.
According to Shedler, a psychologist who studies psychodynamic therapy, the benefits of this type of treatment have been shown in both short- and long-term studies. Unlike some other forms of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to persist over time.
