Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to the Different Types of Mental Health Therapies

Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to the Different Types of Mental Health Therapies

Mental health problems are quite common worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that globally, a quarter of the population will experience mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.

Common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the prevalence of mental health problems, with a rise in stress, anxiety, and depression reported globally. The WHO estimates that mental health issues will cost the global economy $6 trillion by 2030 if left untreated.

One of the most concerned states for mental health problems in the US is Texas.

According to reports, an estimated 34 percent of adults in Texas have a mental illness. Furthermore, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Texas, and rates have been increasing in recent years. 

Various factors, such as poverty, lack of access to mental health services, and high rates of trauma, have influenced the prevalence of mental health problems in Texas. Particularly among certain populations such as veterans and individuals affected by substance abuse. Efforts are being taken in Texas to increase access to mental health services and reduce the negative perception of mental health issues.

You should find a therapist in Texas if you believe you or someone you may know is suffering from mental health problems.

Different Types of Mental Health Therapies

Mental health problems can take many forms and affect people in different ways. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders, mental health issues can be debilitating and impact an individual’s overall well-being. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of therapies available that can help individuals manage and overcome mental health problems. Some of them are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of talk therapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to mental health issues. The therapist will work with the individual to recognize and question negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic perspectives. 

CBT is based on the belief that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected and that changing one aspect can have a positive influence on others. It can be used to treat various conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of CBT that focuses on helping individuals regulate their emotions, improve relationships, and increase mindfulness. It is often used to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and other conditions where emotion regulation is a concern. 

DBT incorporates concepts from Eastern philosophy, such as mindfulness, into the therapy and often includes a weekly skills group where individuals learn and practice specific skills to help them manage their emotions.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

It is a therapy technique used to assist people in handling traumatic memories and decreasing the symptoms of trauma-related disorders like PTSD. During EMDR therapy, a therapist will lead the individual through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic memories, which is believed to help the brain process and incorporate the traumatic memory in a more beneficial way.

Interpersonal Therapy

IPT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on how an individual’s relationships with others may impact their mental health. It is a type of therapy that is commonly used to treat conditions like depression and other mood disorders. It involves working with a therapist to identify any issues in relationships or conflicts that may impact an individual’s mental health and address them to improve overall well-being.

Art Therapy

Art therapy uses creative expressions, such as drawing, painting, or sculpting, to help individuals explore their thoughts and feelings and gain self-awareness. It can be used to help people of all ages and abilities improve their mental health. 

The process of creating art can be therapeutic in and of itself. The therapist can also use art to gain insight into the individual’s inner world and help them work through difficult emotions or experiences.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Mindfulness-Based Therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), involve teaching individuals mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, to help them focus on the present moment and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. 

These therapies can help individuals develop a sense of calm and inner peace and improve their overall well-being.

In conclusion, various therapies are available to help individuals manage and overcome mental health problems. Each therapy has its unique approach and can effectively treat different conditions. It’s important to work with a qualified therapist to determine which therapy is best for you and to understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and can take time to see progress. 

But with patience, commitment, and the right approach, individuals can make significant progress in managing their health issues.