It is important to also consider the kind of health professional you’re seeking; Different mental health professionals emphasize different processes and recommend different treatments. These are just a few examples of the many different types of therapy available.
Art Therapy
- Art therapy is used to help people explore their emotions and self-esteem, improve symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, and cope with physical illness or disabilities. This process involves the use of techniques like painting, drawing, collaging, and sculpting to help clients express themselves artistically and examine the emotional undertones of their work. No artistic talent is required for this form of therapy as it is about finding associations between creative choices and the inner life of the client.
Animal Assisted Therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy often serves in conjunction with traditional work done by a licensed psychotherapist, social worker, or other mental health professional. Advocates for animal-assisted therapy say that developing a bond with an animal can help people develop a better sense of self-worth and trust, stabilize emotions, and improve communication, self-regulation, and socialization skills. Animal-assisted therapy often serves in conjunction with traditional work done by a licensed psychotherapist, social worker, or other mental health professional.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- This practice aims to help clients resolve challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship problems, anger issues, or other common concerns that negatively impact mental health and quality of life. CBT is a structured form of psychotherapy that can occur within relatively short periods of time- often between 5-20 weekly 50-minute sessions. In the following sessions, the client will identify negative or maladaptive thoughts they have about their current problems and determine whether or not they are realistic. Once done, the therapist can help them determine an appropriate course of action.
Transpersonal Therapy
- Transpersonal takes a more holistic approach compared to most other forms of psychotherapy; instead focusing on addressing mental, physical, emotional, creative, and intellectual needs with an emphasis on the role of a healthy spirit in healing. Those who are interested in exploring their spiritual side, becoming more spiritually aware, or finding a spiritual path may benefit from transpersonal therapy. Transpersonal therapists use meditation, guided visualization, hypnotherapy, dream work, art, music, journaling, mindfulness practices, and other techniques that can help you explore your spiritual self and create meaning in your life.
Multicultural Therapy
- Multicultural therapy addresses the concerns of those outside the racial, ethnic, religious, disability, or other social factor that falls within the minority. This type of therapy recognizes that a person’s individual needs and how they mesh with the needs or demands of society are not necessarily the same for people of different cultures and backgrounds, and that minority groups are underrepresented in mental health professions. Issues that arise for minority groups, such as oppression, racism, and marginalization, are relevant and recognized. While it is a form of talk therapy, it may be combined with therapies that involve other activities, such as art or music, if these assist the client’s communication.
Music therapy
- Music therapy incorporates techniques such as listening to, reflecting on, and creating music to improve a client’s mental health and well-being. Immersing in music can allow people to express themselves with more ease, identify and process difficult experiences or find emotional release. This practice can help with various conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Humans have long appreciated the healing and cathartic power of music, as it tames into a primal sense of rhythm that we all possess. It can help patients cope with emotional trauma and physical pain, or feel more confident, joyful, and connected. People can still enjoy these benefits outside of a clinical setting as music can stir emotions, prompt discussions, and facilitate expression.
These, of course, are not the only types of therapy available- it’s important to do the necessary research and figure out what might be best for you. From there, it’s time to find a therapist. Look into what types of therapy you think might work well for you, or even just sound interesting and then interview a few therapists in those fields.