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Psychotherapy is like doing jigsaw puzzle with your best friend. They won't do the puzzle for you, but they can help you figure out a way to piece out the picture. When you're sad, scared, or having a hard time, the right helper knows the most effective ways to make you feel better.

jigsaw puzzle pieces connected in a line formPhoto by Giorgia Barabaschi on Unsplash

Discover four approaches to psychotherapy and their distinct benefits to help you make an informed decision when seeking or suggesting professional mental support.

Did you know?

As of 2019, 970 million people globally are dealing with mental health conditions — that's 1 in every 8 people. Effective prevention and treatment options exist, but surprisingly, most people don't have access to effective care.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Benefits:

Link, the video game character from Zelda, fastens his belt, getting ready for an adventure.

CBT is like learning how to beat a video game.

  • It helps you find "secrets" to solve problems.

  • It guides you to spot and change thoughts that make you feel down.

  • It teaches you practical tricks to deal with worries or sadness.

Psychodynamic Therapy

The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.

— Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis

Benefits:

  • Explores how past experiences shape current thinking and behavior.

  • Helps develop insight and emotional understanding into inner conflicts.

  • Identifies relationship patterns and improves interpersonal relationships.

A woman looks sideways rapidly.Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

Psychotherapy is like flipping through a book that tells your stories.

  • It looks into how your childhood experiences affect your outlook, personality, and patterns.

  • It's like wearing a detective hat and zooming in on your own life story to understand why you feel a certain way.

Quiz

If someone close to you wants to explore their rough childhood and hopes to get insight, what approach would you advise them?

Humanistic Therapy

Benefits:

  • Emphasizes unconditional self-acceptance and positive self-worth.

  • Creates a non-judgmental space to express and explore true feelings.

  • Focuses on empowering your potential and fulfillment.

Minions cheering with excitement.

Humanistic therapy is like being your best self.

  • It helps you see your strengths and weaknesses, accept them, and find confidence.

  • It helps you grow and feel good about yourself as a person.

  • It's like having a cheerleader who believes in you and helps you see how awesome you are.

Did you know?

Person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, is one of the most well-known approaches to humanistic therapy. It allows the client to take more of a lead to explore their self-discovery and self-growth, while the therapist serves as a supportive facilitator.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Benefits:

  • Focuses on observing emotions and actions, accepting what they are, and letting go of what they "should" be.

  • Teaches coping skills to manage intense emotional pain and challenging situations.

  • Emphasizes "improving the way you communicate in relationships with others."

A middle-aged man lifting dumbbells with a determined face.

DBT is like building stronger emotional muscles.

  • It guides you to be mindful, accepting your present and planning for a bright future.

  • It teaches you to handle big feelings and tough times.

  • It's like going to the gym but for your emotions, making them stronger and healthier.

How to Pick Your Helper

A human brain with legs, bright eyes, and a big smile walks forward. Caption: 'Every step forward is a victory.'

1. Set goals based on your needs.

Reflect on what you're struggling with (e.g., stress, depression, or self-worth) and what you hope to achieve through therapy, e.g. stress management, alleviating depression, or enhancing self-esteem. Check out 24 self-reflection questions to get ready for your sessions and set goals.

2. Consider your preference.

Ask yourself whether you prefer focusing on current problems and practical solutions (CBT, DBT), understanding the deeper roots of your issues (psychodynamic), or exploring potential personal growth (humanistic).

3. Try a consultation.

Many therapists offer an initial intake session. Use this opportunity to ask about their approach and how it can help with your specific concerns. Here are 20 questions to get you started with your new therapist.

4. Listen to your gut.

Choose a therapist and approach that feels right for you. Therapy is a personal journey, and feeling comfortable and connected with your therapist goes a long way.

Scenario: Advice for Tim

Meet Tim. Working as a professional fundraiser, Tim took pride in having an impact through his work. However, his work has been so demanding recently that he feels burned out.

A distressed man is seated on a sofa, pressing his right hand against his temples in a gesture of discomfort or worry.Photo by Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash

You just learned that he took a stress leave. As his best friend, you call to check on him. He shares that he was experiencing feelings of sadness and even guilt. He mentions that he's considering seeking psychotherapy to address the immediate strong emotions so he can get back to work soon.

Which pieces of advice do you think Tim may benefit from? Keep in mind his current situation and goal. Select all that apply.

A. Have a look at cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It's great for challenging those unhelpful thoughts.

B. Google dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). It's all about learning ways to manage stress and emotions.

C. Consider starting with psychodynamic therapy. It explores insights from your childhood.

D. Humanistic therapy could be a good fit. It focuses on helping you become your best self.

Quiz

What advice would you give Tim? Select all that apply:

Take Action

A driver's view of moving on a road in between trees. Caption, 'The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.'

Now you have a clear understanding of the benefits the four main types of psychotherapy has to offer. One more thing to keep in mind before you go: psychotherapy isn't about fixing what is broken — it's about discovering what is unbroken and nurturing that wholeness.

Check out these resources to learn more about psychotherapy:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

JH

Jason Hsia

Community Coordinator/Learning Designer

MEd

English

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