Different Types of Therapy Approaches + Types of Mental Health Professionals
The purpose of this post is to help you make an informed decision on choosing therapy by providing you with the basic knowledge of the various types of therapist and therapy approaches out there. This is only a comprehensive list of the different mental health professionals that offer psychotherapy. There are many more, so it’s worth doing your research and trying it out for yourself.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the process of guiding individuals, couples, and or families through mental and emotional issues. There are many forms of psychotherapies and mental health professionals that provide it. The overall goal is to increase overall well-being by managing troubling symptoms and coping with daily life.
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) that studied Psychiatry. They are permitted to prescribe medication. They offer brief psychotherapy sessions with a focus on medication management. In addition, they may use psychiatric evaluations to determine diagnosis.
Psychologist
Psychologists earn a doctorate in Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D). Some psychologists go on to do research and others offer psychotherapy. Moreover, a clinical psychologist may treat more severe mental illnesses, while a counseling psychologist treats more day-to-day issues. Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist is unable to prescribe medication. However, they do work alongside a psychiatrist to coordinate care.
Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), both earn a minimum of a Masters degree with an extensive amount of practicum and internship hours. They are certified to train within the state’s guidelines. Counselors guide clients through day-to-day stressors, develop better relationships, and learn coping strategies.
Social Worker
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) has received their Masters, dedicated thousands of supervised hours, and obtained a license to practice psychotherapy. Counselors and social workers provide similar services in the mental health field. Although they may have more training in connecting folks to community resources and social services.
Marriage and Family Therapist
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) have a minimum of a graduate training and a license to practice within their state. They work with individuals and families within the context of family systems theory.
Types of Therapy Approaches
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive therapy focuses on changing thinking and behavioral patterns that are harmful or dysfunctional, and then replacing them with more accurate thoughts and functional behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT utilized cognitive based approaches with a focus on the psychosocial aspects of treatment. It weaves in mindfulness skills, distress tolerance skills, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills. The development of DBT was to treat patients with Borderline Personality Disorder, to teach skills and take responsibility to change. It is highly effective in treating emotional regulation and other mental health disorders.
Exposure Therapy
This is a systematic behavioral technique popular in treating phobias, PTSD, and a multitude of anxieties. The technique involves gradual exposure to the distressing situation. The exposure is conducted in a safe space with no real danger; both addressing the avoidance pattern and providing a learning experience to reduce anxiety.
Psychoanalytic Therapies
Psychoanalysis
This approach delves into the unconscious processes behind dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors to find out underlying meaning and motivation. This originated from the early formulations of Sigmund Freud, often looking at dreams, hidden desires, and the psyche. The therapist and patient work closely with to explore interactions within the therapeutic relationship; investigating the early experiences and attachments. Overtime, this type of therapy has shown to be beneficial for developing greater self-awareness.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic approach is a less intensive form of psychoanalysis, which also explores the themes of old patterns of behavior and thoughts and the role of early attachments. The origin comes from Freud, as well as his predecessors who expanded the view on the development of personality development. Similarly, this therapy helps individuals to better understand themselves and their relationships.
Humanistic Therapies
Client-Centered or Person-Centered Therapy
This therapy applies a more non-directive approach, which emphasizes the value of genuineness within the therapeutic alliance. The therapist aims to understand the world from the perspective of the client, allowing the client to take the lead and promoting self-directed behavior. According to this approach, individuals have the innate capacity to change and grow. The main role of the therapist is to create a safe, and secure holding space to explore possibilities.
Existential Therapy
Existential Therapy takes on a philosophical approach that focuses on the human condition: free-will, isolation, meaninglessness, and death. This style aims to guide individual’s towards greater awareness of themselves and the nature of their problems. Allowing individuals to move towards authenticity and deeper meaning.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt, meaning the “whole,” focuses on utilizing techniques to exercise the past within the present, to integrate the mind, body, and soul. This style of therapy helps individuals develop a greater awareness of physical and psychological manifestations of their problems. Introducing the value and responsibility of the “here-and-now.”
Key Takeaway
Integrative or Holistic Approach
Most therapists combine these different types of approaches, because we know and learn it’s not-one-size fits all. A blend of these styles and approaches are tailored to fit your needs and goals for treatment.
