Beyond the Sofa: Examining Diverse Mental Health Treatment Approaches

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues. It's often the preferred type of psychotherapy because it can quickly help you identify and cope with specific challenges. It generally requires fewer sessions than other types of therapy and is done in a structured way (Mayo Clinic 1).

For example, it may help you:

Manage symptoms of mental illness
Prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms
Treat a mental illness when medications aren't a good option
Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations
Identify ways to manage emotions
Resolve relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate
Cope with grief or loss
Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence
Cope with a medical illness
Manage chronic physical symptoms

Mental health disorders that may improve with CBT include:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Phobias
PTSD
Sleep disorders
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Substance use disorders
Bipolar disorders
Schizophrenia
Sexual disorders

In some cases, CBT is most effective when it's combined with other treatments, such as antidepressants or other medications.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talking therapy. It’s based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it’s specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely (Cleveland Clinic).

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.

DBT has proven to be effective for treating and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

Borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Self-harm.
Suicidal behavior.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substance use disorder.
Eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia.
Depression.
Anxiety.

It’s important to note that the reason DBT has proved effective for treating these conditions is that each of these conditions is thought to be associated with issues that result from unhealthy or problematic efforts to control intense, negative emotions (Cleveland Clinic).

3. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) originates from the work of Sigmund Freud. It is a form of talk therapy that explores the connection between a patient's past experiences – often from childhood – and their current mindset.

PDT's basis states deriving insights from childhood can give patients insights about their current problems. THis insight can ultimately help them achieve a higher quality of life. In any type of psychotherapy, the relationship between the patient and therapist is important, but especially in PDT. Psychodynamic therapy's success relies heavily on trust, since the topics discussed during sessions are often sensitive or traumatic.PDT can be used to help individuals, couples, and families. Sometimes it is short-term, lasting only 10-20 sessions, but PDT can be conducted over a period of 1-2 years (Chamlou 1).

Like other forms of therapy, it can be used to treat a variety of mental health concerns, such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
Interpersonal problems
Personality disorders
Psychological distress
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Substance use disorders

4. Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic therapy describes a range of different types of therapy that focus on a person as an individual with unique potential and abilities. Instead of concentrating on what is wrong with people, this type of therapy is more focused on helping them overcome their difficulties through personal growth (Cherry 1).

Types of Humanistic Therapy

Client-centered therapy: Also known as person-centered therapy, this approach involves the therapist taking a non-directive approach to the therapy process
Existential therapy: This is a philosophical approach to therapy that works to help people better understand their place in the universe.
Gestalt therapy: This form of humanistic therapy focuses on a person's current life and experiences rather than looking at their past.
Logotherapy: This type of therapy focuses on helping people find ways to endure life's difficulties and find a sense of purpose and meaning
Narrative therapy: This approach to therapy helps people identify their values and skills by focusing on their personal stories and experiences