The 3 most important psychological therapies

The popular conception of therapy is that of classical psychotherapy: a client, a couch, and a psychologist with a notebook and pencil in hand. Some therapies do use this method but there are numerous types of therapy that can be used to help a person to overcome their problems. In all cases, the goal of therapy is to provide a non-judgmental environment that allows the client and the psychologist to work together toward a set of goals.

I am going to explain only the 3 most common types of psychotherapy:

1) Psychoanalytic therapy.

What is Psychoanalytic Therapy?

Psychoanalytic therapy is one of the best known psychotherapies but it is also one of the most misunderstood by patients.

Founded by Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytic therapists generally spend their time listening to patients talk about their lives which is why this method is often referred to as "Talk therapy". The psychologist looks for significant patterns or events that may play a key role in the patient's current difficulties. Psychoanalysts believe that childhood events and unconscious feelings, thoughts, and motivations play an important role in mental illness and maladaptive behaviors.

Benefits of psychoanalytic therapy

While this type of therapy has many critics who claim that it is too slow, expensive, and generally ineffective, this treatment has several benefits as well.

The therapist offers an empathetic and non-judgmental environment where the patient can feel safe to communicate their feelings. Often times simply sharing this burden with another person can have a beneficial influence.

2) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive therapists tend to focus on specific problems. These therapists believe that irrational thinking or misperceptions cause dysfunctions. A cognitive therapist works with the patient to change thought patterns. This type of therapy is often effective for patients suffering from depression or anxiety.

Behavioral therapists work to change problem behaviors that have been forged through years of reinforcement. A good example of behavior therapy would be a therapist working with a client who wants to overcome a fear of heights. The therapist encourages the client to gradually cope with his fear of heights through experience. First, the client could imagine standing on the roof of a tall building. The client is then gradually exposed to increasing levels of fear until the phobia subsides or disappears completely.

Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive and behavioral approaches can be very effective in treating specific problems. Often times, cognitive and behavioral approaches are combined in the treatment of a disorder. A therapist using these therapies with a patient suffering from social anxiety can help him or her forge more positive thought patterns as well as focus on specific behaviors, such as social avoidance.

3) Group therapy

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which two or more patients work with one or more therapists or counselors.

This method is a popular format in support groups. Group members can learn from each other's experiences and give advice. This method is also more cost effective than individual psychotherapy and is often more effective.

Group therapy benefits

It is common for people with mental illness or behavior problems to feel alone, isolated, or different. Group therapy provides these people with a group of pairs of individuals who are experiencing the same symptoms or who have recovered from a similar problem.

Group members can also provide emotional support and a safe forum to practice new behaviors.