Psychotherapy: The Art Of Communication As A Treatment

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your problems, you must remember that you are not alone. Your emotions might make you think that there are no possible solutions, get you out of focus, or make you worry like you’re falling off the edge any time. These are the very reasons why you must always feel cared for because there are people who are willing to help you overcome all of these … you just need to open your mind to express what you feel.

Open Your Door to Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a two-way treatment where an individual (the patient) and an expert (the psychotherapist, psychologist or counselor) builds a relationship grounded in dialogues to provide a supportive environment filled with neutral, non-judgmental conversation. The person who has psychologically disorder needs an encouragement and talk openly . In this manner, the expert will be able to help the individual change his beliefs system and destructive behavioral patterns to become a better, happier, and more balanced person.

Most people are reluctant in trying Psychotherapy treatment due to several misconceptions attached to it. Such myths include: (1) only crazy people go to psychotherapy, (2) talking to family and friends is enough, (3) you alone can get better by motivating yourself, and (4) you need to pay while experts just listen. These ideas are ALL UNTRUE.

People who seek psychotherapy desire to be treated of serious or debilitating mental illnesses which are more of the time taken for granted, such as depression and anxiety. We are now fortunate that we know a lot more about depression, how it affects healthy individuals, and how to address it.

Moreover, support from family and friends is indeed important because of the presence of trust. However, psychologists offer more than pleasant conversations; they solve problems through the expert understanding and analyses of complex problems. After all, psychotherapy offers several schemes that address the varying needs of individuals.

Formats of Psychotherapy

Give greater patience and understanding for the person who need Psychotherapy. It is good to understand the changes but it is better to get to know how to help. Here are some Psychotherapy formats which could help you decide the best solution for you:

  • Individual – face-to-face format. This only involves the patient and the therapist.
  • Group – Sharing experiences are encouragement where two or more patients may participate in a session. Through this, patients are able to learn that they’re not the only ones who suffer from the situation.
  • Marital or Couples – This therapy involves spouses or partners who are struggling in some aspects of their relationship. It helps both parties to understand why one has changed and that the other has to help and support in the therapy. It also identifies what changes the couple can apply into their relationship with regards to their communication and behavior.
  • Family – It is helpful for family members not just to recognize the special needs of a single member but what they can do to help him/her cope with the situation.

 

Types of Psychotherapy

            Several types of therapy are used by mental health professionals based on the particular illness of the patient. These types may be combined to address the specific needs of the person in treatment:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This therapy helps in treating various disorders such as depression, anxiety, traumatic disorders, and eating disorders. By identifying the behavior patterns that cause harmful thoughts, it is also the best way to help the patient replace these with effective and accurate thoughts to function more efficiently. It helps the patient focus on the current problem and may involve practicing new skills.

  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

            This therapy helps patients learn healthy techniques in expressing emotions and improving communication to relate with others. Moreover, a patients trained to understand, analyze interpersonal issues and other problems through the short term treatment.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

            A patient who suffer from chronic suicidal thoughts, borderline personality disorder, eating disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, it helps patient to regulate their emotion. It can involve both individual and a group where new skills are taught to help them take personal responsibilities and alter unruly behavior.

  • Psychodynamic therapy

            This therapy helps patients improve their self-awareness and change old behavior patterns so one can take full charge of his life.

It is based on the idea that childhood experiences, repetitive thoughts and unconscious feelings influence the mental well-being of an adult.

  • Psychoanalysis

            This is typically conducted three or more times a week and is a more intensive form of psychodynamic therapy.

  • Supportive therapy

            Guiding to strengthen their coping mechanism, reduce their anxiety, and build self-esteem, this therapy helps patients improve their social skills. Encouragement is the key towards the success of this treatment.

Additional therapies include:

Animal-assisted therapy – animals help patients cope with trauma.

Creative arts therapy – use of art, dance, drama, music and poetry

Play therapy – this is particular to children for them to express their emotions.

Recognition of the mental needs of a person doesn’t stop with merely acknowledging them. People need people to heal. It is best to both identify and address these problems to create a healthier environment of mentally healthy individuals. Psychotherapy offers a non-drugged method to heal and cope with mental illness in a less intimidating and non-judgmental way.

Still, one has to follow a healthy all-natural, plant-based diet to help in resolving and coping with mental illness.  To sustain,maintain a healthy mind and body, vitamins and minerals are effective.

Image by Alex Proimos / CC BY-NC 2.0

Copyright 2024, DoctorFarrah.com