BLOG 279 THERAPY TYPES
Therapy Approaches: Finding Happiness
There are many different approaches to therapy and medication when it comes to psychiatry. Understanding mental health coupled with emotional well being is important to be able to focus, destress, and be happy. Even T.V. stars and elite athletes use therapy. It is human nature to feel protective and guarded with this personal issue, but seeking help, specifically the right type, can save a person’s life.
There are several traditional and new age techniques being used in this realm:
1. Psychoanalytic therapy: This is the oldest technique. This involves setting your past which will help gain insight for the present. It is figuring out your childhood.
2. Humanistic therapy: The therapist listens and lets the patient verbalize their feelings.
3. Exposure therapy: Exposing yourself to the source of fear or anxiety will help you overcome those very things.
4. Mindfulness/Meditation: This is about living in the present and becoming more aware of yourself and other people.
5. Behavioral activation: This is about correcting behaviors that cause depression.
6. Somatic therapy: This approach uses body and movement such as yoga or exercise. These serve as an antidepressant.
7. Emotional regulation: This is about grounding your emotions and finding a better baseline.
8. Assertiveness training: It is okay to say no and not feel guilty about it. This is learning to express yourself in a healthy way.
9. Cognitive restructuring: This is about shifting yourself away from negative thinking and learning how to adapt to new healthy ones.
Some of these therapeutic approaches are coupled with medication. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can safely treat depression. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) treat depression and help with motivation issues, energy, focus, and concentration. Norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) also help with energy and concentration. Antianxiety medication, also called benzodiazepines, can be used to treat anxiety as well as insomnia and sometimes depression. Stimulants can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Some of these medications can become addictive. Many find successful help from these therapy approaches as well as different medications. Sometimes finding the right combination or strategy can take time. Although a quick fix is always desired, working through deep rooted issues takes time to heal and figure how to heal. It is okay to interview and work with therapists until the right one clicks. Laying out what is bothering you and finding someone who specializes or has experience with people similar to you, can always lead you in the right direction. Taking control of mental health is necessary for happiness.
