Therapy is a great way to get in touch with aspects of yourself that are restricting or holding you back from reaching soaring heights. Weaknesses and areas to work on can be reveled, as well as some of your greatest strengths. Exploring how and where the actions you engage in come from is a liberating process.
There are so many different types of therapies so it's important to know what's going to target what. There are so many different ways of uncovering emotional layers and often, depending on the problem, one type may be more recommended than another. That's something you should probably be advised by an expert in the field- or someone who knows a bit more about it than you!
I've found a small summary of a few types (there are many more out there). I hope this gives you a taste of the world of therapy, or at least just a vague idea!!
Psychoanalysis
When you see a cartoon of a patient lying on a couch talking about whatever, you’re seeing an example of psychoanalysis. It proposes that a person’s unconscious problems, often rooted in childhood, cause emotional symptoms. (“I've been afraid to succeed at school because I thought I’d be punished by my teacher, who reminds me of my mother.”)
Most likely to help: People who have deeply engrained personality problems or repetitive relationship difficulties, or who can’t seem to achieve their potential.
Pros of psychoanalysis: Highly trained therapist. Very thorough.
Cons of psychoanalysis: Often takes years. Involves several weekly visits. Insurance may not cover it.
Insight-Oriented Therapy
Understanding the unconscious reasons you do things is the most important step toward undoing them, says this therapy. (“I get into fights with my sister because of my insecurity about how well I can look out for her.”)
Most likely to help: People with problems interacting or with inner turmoil that leads to depression, anxiety or some phobias.
Pros of insight-oriented therapy: Less expensive. More give-and-take in the early stages. Highly individualized.
Cons of insight-oriented therapy: Requires regular visits for several months. You must be willing to get in touch with your inner thoughts to make the most of it.
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive therapy suggests that the way you think affects how you feel. If you think, “My homework is so boring,” you’ll lose energy and be more likely to find things not to like, and, lo and behold, homework will be boring!
Treatment involves examining the validity of the thoughts. (You get good results; it’s a chance to meet new people; it could provide future opportunities.)
The counselor may add behavior therapy such as deep breathing; an exercise program; or declaring to your friends, “I loved that task she gave us to do for homework!”
Most likely to help: People who have phobias or anxiety disorders, or depression based on faulty perceptions.
Pros of cognitive and behavioral therapy: Highly trained therapists. Relatively quick, targeted treatment. Well-researched. Sometimes exceeds what medications can do (for instance, in helping people sleep).
Cons of cognitive and behavioral therapy: May seem cookie-cutter. Less of an opportunity to talk openly about whatever comes to mind.
Eclectic Therapy
Most therapists combine features. An eclectic therapist may help you understand how your childhood experiences colored your views but also recommend workbooks or teach you meditation.
Most likely to help: Any degree of emotional distress, especially as an add-on to medication for more severe mental problems.
Pros of eclectic therapy: Highly individualized. Good balance of listening and advice giving. May require fewer visits than some other therapies.
Cons of eclectic therapy: Therapy type and therapist training are very variable. Sometimes only partial use of specific models give you only partial results!
