9 types of psychological therapy: how does each one help? – Online Psychologists

The therapeutic treatment offered to each patient is different, just as the treatment is different depending on the physical injury in question. For this reason, we can distinguish up to nine types of psychological therapy.

9 therapies taught by psychologists

The needs of each patient are completely different. For example, while some require a therapy based on deepening aspects of the past, others need a treatment that focuses on the present. meet the different demandsthere are several psychological approaches:

1. Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is a intensive method based on the idea that people are unaware of the factors that determine their emotions and behaviors, as they are unconscious of them. As a solution, psychoanalytic treatment studies the way in which these unconscious factors influence current relationships and patterns of thought, emotion and behavior.

This psychological approach considers that the origin of the disorder comes from anxieties suffered at an early age that were repressed, as well as the progressive development of defensive mechanisms which sought to protect oneself from the reappearance and repetition of these feelings.

2. Cognitive therapy

Cognitive therapy considers that Thoughts influence feelings and that people's responses are due to the subjective construction of such a situation. He believes that mental illness is a thought disorder in which reality has become distorted, affecting not only the way of perceiving the world, but also the development of inappropriate emotions and behavioral difficulties.

Given these beliefs, the purpose of cognitive therapy is remove the grey veil that prevents us from seeing reality clearlyto achieve a restructuring of the disorders. Thus, it also prevents any relapse.

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3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the following concept: If maladaptive behavior can be learned, it can also be unlearned..

What does this mean? That negative attitudes, habits and thoughts that were learned can be replaced by new forms to think, act and feel more constructive.

That is, through CBT treatment the psychologist helps the patient become aware of their beliefs and thoughts in order to evaluate them and replace them with realistic judgments.

4. Rational-emotive-behavioral therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is the first phase of cognitive behavioral therapy. According to this psychological approach, people experience undesirable events from which they obtain rational and irrational beliefs. These created beliefs generate emotional, cognitive and behavioral consequences.

Therefore, the purpose of this therapy is lead the patient towards a reconstruction of irrational beliefs with the assimilation of more efficient and rational ideas with a positive impact on the three basic aspects of your life: emotional, cognitive and behavioral.

5. Neuropsychological therapy

Neuropsychological therapy is aimed at patients of any age (child, adolescent, adult) who present a brain injury or nervous system dysfunction (head trauma, stroke, Alzheimer's, as well as problems with orientation, language, memory, etc.) either due to a congenital origin or due to an accident.

In this case, the task of the neuropsychologist is to trace the appropriate therapeutic treatment after making a diagnosis of the neuropsychological profile of the patient.

6. Brief systemic therapy

Systemic therapies have the premise that the origin of the difficulties that the patient presents is in the relationships that he maintains, both with himself and with the people around him. This reveals that something is not working properly in your family, friendship or partner circle.

The role of systemic psychologists is to help develop new modes of interaction and communication in their relationshipsWorking on this root solves the complications that the patient has.

7. Brief solution-focused therapy

This type of psychological therapy is based on the principle that visualize or imagine another viable option It is what is necessary to begin the natural process of change.

So what is it? Brief therapy It focuses on what the patient wants to achieve and not on what he wants to forget or leave behind.. And the fact is that many people get stuck in problems because they cannot see alternatives to them.

8. Humanistic Gestalt Therapy

The existential-humanist approach is based on the belief that relationship therapeutics as the main tool for change. By being with a psychologist who approves, authenticates, understands and accepts, the patient experiences the sensation of being able to rediscover himself, to show himself as he is, being able to continue his development and enhance that which he previously interrupted.

Humanistic Gestalt psychological therapy focuses on the present and works, mainly, emotions of the patient.

9. Counseling

Psychological counseling therapy aims to achieve the personal development of the patient. To do this, the psychologist explores his or her abilities and resources in order to exploit them. It should be noted that the psychological consultant cannot carry out therapeutic work as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist does. He or she is capable and qualified to support, advise and guide the patient in times of crisis. In this way, the patient is accompanied in solving specific problems or those of daily life.