Psychotherapy: Definition And Applications For Yourself And Your Relationship

Psychotherapy is a term comprising a broad group of techniques of mental healthcare. It is often used in a talk therapy format like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Still, there are over 400 therapeutic modalities that fall under the label, so the possibilities for treatment can be expansive. Media portrayals of psychotherapy may not be accurate for each type.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy comprises hundreds of psychological techniques that can address numerous mental health concerns, including mental illness, life stressors, and relationship challenges. 

According to the American Psychological Association, psychotherapy can help individuals cope with the following: 

• Life's daily challenges
• The impact of trauma
• Medical illness and diagnosis
• Loss, like the death of a loved one (bereavement)
• Specific mental health diagnoses, like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, etc. 

Psychotherapy focuses on the understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While support from family and friends might offer support during a time of need, a psychotherapist with years of education, training, and experience can offer professional guidance and research-backed treatment for mental health concerns.

What is a psychotherapist?

Psychotherapy is often called "talk therapy," although not all forms of psychotherapy involve a sit-down talking method. Psychotherapists are licensed professionals that treat clients through psychological care instead of medical or physical treatments. 

Treating mental illness with medicine belongs to the field of psychiatry. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, whereas psychologists are not. However, some psychiatrists offer psychotherapy as an addition to their medical services. 

Although a psychotherapist cannot prescribe medication like a doctor, they often collaborate with psychiatrists if medication is an option that the client wants to explore. Both medicine and psychotherapy can be used side-by-side, and people have seen significant progress when both are used concurrently.

There is no single one-size-fits-all approach to talk therapy; specific techniques may be more effective than others. Many clients go through trial and error to find a method that works for them. A licensed psychotherapist can help you explore your options if you want to try therapy. 

What modalities of psychotherapy can I try? 

Psychotherapy can be traced back to Sigmund Freud and the development of psychoanalysis, a long-term therapy which focused on the unconscious and conscious minds that Freud believed we all have. Initial forms of psychotherapy focused on the id, ego, and superego, and psychologists believed that mental illness was developed when conflict occurred between the three. 

Freud's work has since been criticized and debunked. However, some therapy forms have stemmed from psychoanalysis, and some therapists still practice it. In modern times, there are over 400 modalities available, including but not limited to the following. 

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy was developed in the same timeframe as psychoanalysis and involved techniques by psychologist Alfred Adler. The psychodynamic theory states that behavior and how an individual feels are unconscious and are based on early childhood experiences. Therapists who use psychodynamic techniques may improve a person's self-awareness and work on addressing old patterns to help them feel more in control. 

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) 

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a short-term treatment primarily addressing social interactions and systems. It may include conflicts in the workplace, in intimate relationships, or between families. Interpersonal therapy can also help people struggling with unresolved grief. An interpersonal therapist can help clients improve their communication skills and learn how to express themselves more healthily. 

Supportive therapy

Supportive therapy involves using reassurance, encouragement, and guidance to help clients overcome challenges. The therapist often makes an effort to listen carefully to the individual and facilitate progress. For this treatment plan, the client is in control of developing their problem-solving skills, improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and creating coping skills with the therapist's guidance as a mentor. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 

One of the most popular and diverse forms of psychotherapy is evidence-based cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT). With this technique, a therapist can help clients identify unwanted, ineffective, and problematic thinking and behavior patterns and turn them into positive, productive, and functional ones. This form of therapy applies to several mental health conditions, and this, along with its success rate, contributes to its popularity. It was developed in the 1960s by Aaron Beck and is often considered the "gold standard" of psychotherapy for many disorders, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

Other forms of therapy 

Many other forms of psychotherapy can be used, not limited to the above categories. For example, exposure and response prevention (ERP) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are more modern forms of therapy stemming from concepts of CBT. There are also forms of therapy dedicated to specific situations, such as couples' conflicts.

Which form of psychotherapy is right for me or my relationship?

As there are many types of therapy to choose from, it can be beneficial to research therapists specializing in the concern you hope to receive support with. Many therapists use integrative approaches, meaning they use multiple therapeutic modalities depending on the client's needs. 

Do a thorough search of the types of therapists in your area. You can check past client reviews on online search engines to see how other clients have found their therapist effective. You can also search through therapy directories to find a therapist practicing a specific type of therapy, such as marriage and family therapy, couple’s therapy, or substance use therapy. 

If you have found a therapist that you feel meets your needs, contact them and ask them for a brief consultation to discuss your therapeutic goals. A consultation can help you gain the confidence that the therapist is effective for you or look for a more suitable therapist for your needs.

In addition to the different types of psychotherapy available, you may also consider whether you're looking for individual, couples, family, or group therapy. If you have relationship issues, a therapist can address concerns with you and your partner in the same session. 

Is psychotherapy effective? 

Many individuals may try to solve their own concerns without seeking support. Asking for help is not admitting a failure. Doing so can be the first step to feeling better and becoming the best version of yourself, which is a success, not a loss. 

When an individual has a medical concern, they often visit a doctor to check it out. Seeing a psychotherapist can be similar. Consider talking to a therapist if you're experiencing any mental health-related concerns. In addition, note that you do not need a mental health condition or diagnosis to see a therapist. Therapy is for everyone, and over 41.7 million US adults see a therapist.

Psychotherapy can be highly effective, and many individuals find relief from distressing symptoms after meeting with a therapist. If you don't find therapy effective initially, consider trying a different modality or switching therapists. Finding someone you're comfortable with who practices a method you relate to can allow you to feel heard and understood in sessions. 

Counseling options 

Many psychotherapy formats are available; you do not have to be limited to your location or a specific price point to them. Many individuals are turning to online psychotherapy in modern times to receive cost-effective and convenient support from licensed and trained professionals. 

You can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions through an online therapy platform. In addition, you can utilize exclusive resources like webinars, worksheets, and educational materials that you may not have in person. Finally, many online therapy sites offer therapy at a fraction of the cost of in-person options. Studies have found that online therapy is the most cost-effective mental health care option for many clients without health insurance. 

If you want to try psychotherapy online, consider signing up for a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for relationships. Both platforms offer the option to specify what type of therapist you'd like to work with, including any modalities that interest you and any symptoms you're experiencing. You can sign up immediately and receive a licensed therapist match within 48 hours.