Therapy for mental health: overview, types & tips

In today’s day and age, it has become vital to priorities your mental health as much as you would your physical health. With changing social and economic conditions, along with genetic and biological predispositions, more and more people are prone to developing mental health issues and disorders. While most mental health disorders are not definitively curable, the symptoms can be alleviated via appropriate treatment. One of the most sought-after treatments for mental health issues is psychotherapy. If you are not familiar with psychotherapy and need help understanding what type would be suitable, then continue reading for a handy guide to break it all down for you.

What Are The Types Of Mental Health Therapy?

Before delving into the different types of mental health therapy, it is important to understand what the term psychotherapy means. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, refers to a branch of mental therapy that allows people to address a broad range of mental illnesses and emotional challenges. The aim of psychotherapy is to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues so patients can enjoy improved functions and a better quality of life. Psychotherapy can be broadly divided into five categories that help therapists understand their clients and address problems effectively. These categories are as follows:

• Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalytical approaches focus on altering problematic behaviours, feelings, and thoughts by uncovering unconscious meanings and motivations. Psychoanalytical therapy consists of developing a close working relationship between a therapist and patient. Patients can explore their inner workings via interactions in the therapeutic relationship.
• Behaviour Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on understanding the role learning plays in developing normal and abnormal behaviours. One of the pioneers of this field was Ivan Pavlov who introduced concepts such as classical conditioning or associative learning. Similarly, a thinker E.L. Thorndike discovered operant conditioning which uses rewards and punishment to influence behaviour.
• Cognitive Therapy: Cognitive therapy emphasises what people think rather than what they tend to do. Therapists in the field believe that it is a person’s dysfunctional thinking that causes dysfunctional emotions. The crux of this type of therapy is changing a person’s thoughts so they can alter their feelings and behaviours.
• Humanistic Therapy: A humanistic approach to therapy focuses on people’s capacity to make rational choices and reach their maximum potential. Another aspect of this type of therapy is having concern and respect for others. This branch of therapy is further divided into three types: client-centred wherein the therapist is removed from a position of authority, Gestalt wherein focus is placed on being present in the here and now, and existential therapy that focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning.
• Holistic Therapy: Often, therapists see the benefits of various types of therapy and blend elements from all the branches mentioned above. They then tailor their approach as per a specific client’s needs.

Different branches of psychotherapy offer varying approaches to help you deal with a myriad of issues. From focusing on altering your thoughts to changing your behaviour and so on, you can find exactly the kind of therapy you might require. Before deciding what type of therapy you would need, you can reflect and narrow down what exactly you need help with. It would also help if you had some idea of how your mind works, whether you prefer linear support or need help regulating your emotions and so on. If you find it difficult to arrive at such answers, you can opt for an initial session with a counsellor who can help you pick therapy that would work for you.

How To Find A Therapist

Today, it has become relatively easier to find a therapist. However, since you might end up talking to them about personal issues and aim to build a relationship of trust, it is best to find a good one. Often, you might have to try out a couple of therapists before landing on one that suits you. To help you make more of an informed choice, here are some pointers you should consider while picking a therapist:

• Locating: The first step to finding a therapist is locating one. Today, you can easily hop on to the internet and look for therapists. You can rely on various medical platforms that curate a list of therapists and find one that suits your needs. You can also visit hospitals or clinics near you and reach out to their in-house therapists. Lastly, you can also ask friends and family if they have any recommendations for therapists.
• Credentials: Often therapists are required to have specific qualifications and licenses to practice. Before picking a therapist, make sure that they are qualified and have been approved to practice.
• Cost: Next, it is important to check the cost of therapy. Different types of therapists charge differently. You can opt for a therapist that falls within your budget. You should also check if you have an insurance policy that covers mental health treatments.
• Due Diligence: Once you have a therapist in mind, it is important to do your due diligence to ensure that they are a right for you. If you are using an online platform, you can make use of query-related field boxes. Otherwise, you can also give them a call and ask any questions regarding the techniques used, experience, and find out whether they would be equipped to deal with your specific problem.
• Logistics: Lastly, make sure to confirm the logistics of your session. If you are opting for an online session, pick a preferable time. If you are visiting a therapist in person, check their location to see whether it is convenient for you. Knowing the setting and environment beforehand can help alleviate any apprehensions you might have about therapy.

How to Pay for Therapy

You can pay for therapy out of your own pocket if it is possible for you to do so. However, often therapy can be expensive. In such situations, it is best to check if you have medical insurance that covers therapy sessions. Make sure to check how many sessions your insurance can cover if the expense is included in the package. However, if you do not have insurance then you can rely on affordable therapy sources. Today there are various platforms that offer therapy at affordable rates. You can also reach out to services that offer free therapy. If you are in a crisis, you can also reach to free helpline numbers and speak to a professional. In therapy, there is a blind spot when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity. However, more and more attempts are being made to ensure that it is affordable and welcoming for people from all walks of life. If you find yourself dealing with challenging thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that are interrupting regular functioning, it might be a good idea for you to see a therapist. With the right therapist and a willingness to address issues, you can aim to make a difference in your life.