I found this description on my employer's health benefits website and thought it was one of the best descriptions I've come across of mental health therapy.
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Despite popular belief, mental health therapy goes far beyond the traditional image of a person lying on a couch and talking to a psychiatrist. Most therapists -- which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists and other mental health professionals -- base their work on one of three main approaches:
psychoanalysis
behavior therapy
humanistic therapies
Of course, many therapists draw from several methods to discover what works best for a particular client.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is the grandparent of psychotherapies, dating back more than 100 years to the work of Sigmund Freud.
A focus on unconscious thinking: Freud's breakthrough discovery was the concept of the unconscious mind. If you've ever sensed that you act for reasons you don't understand, then you've experienced the power of the unconscious.
Freud pioneered techniques to delve into the unconscious mind. For example, he asked clients to describe their dreams in detail. He also used free association, in which you state the first thing that comes to mind after hearing a certain word or seeing a certain image.
An emphasis on the past: Psychoanalysis states that your past shapes your present. The goal is gaining insight into patterns that may date back to early childhood.
The role of the therapist: Psychoanalysis emphasizes the relationship between client and therapist. Traditional psychoanalysts may see their clients four or five times each week. The number of visits will depend on your particular situation, however.
Behavior therapy
Behavior therapy contrasts with psychoanalysis on several points.
A focus on behavior: Behaviorists are more interested in actions that can be observed and measured, rather than thoughts or feelings.
An emphasis on the present: According to this approach, you can change patterns of behavior even if you don't know when or how they began. You learned those patterns at some point, and you can learn to change them as well.
The role of the therapist: Behavior therapists point to the environment as the source of behavior. Many behaviors -- even those that lead to suffering -- deliver some kind of reward. For example, although gambling can have devastating personal and financial consequences, compulsive gamblers crave the thrill of a potential win. Behavior therapists help you change your environment so that self-defeating behaviors are no longer rewarded.
Note: Today, many therapists combine insights from behavior therapy with a belief that thoughts or feelings are still important. According to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, the way you think about events influences the way you act.
Cognitive-behavioral therapists look for distortions in thinking. Negative thinking is often based on absolute statements: For example, "I fail at everything I try to do." With this type of therapy, you'll learn to dispute such beliefs and replace them with more rational ones: "Even successful people fail sometimes," or, "I can learn from mistakes, and meet my goals in the future."
Humanistic therapies
There are various types of humanistic therapies, but they tend to agree on certain points.
An emphasis on the present and future: Carl Rogers, a key figure in this field, emphasized the immediate experience of his clients. Rather than focusing on mental illness, he believed in each person's capacity for mental health and possibilities for the future.
A focus on thinking and feeling: You can learn to accept your thoughts and feelings as they unfold from moment to moment. If you do this, the solutions to your problems will ultimately become clear to you.
The role of the therapist: Rogers described an effective therapist as someone who helps clients clarify the changes they want to make. The therapist is a trustworthy guide rather than an authority figure.
Finding a therapist
To find a therapist, start by asking your doctor for a referral. Also ask family members and friends for recommendations. Your health insurance company also may direct you to certain therapists.
When you find a potential therapist, ask questions:
What is your training and background? (Keep in mind that licensing requirements may vary from state to state.)
What type of psychotherapy do you prefer? What happens during a typical session?
What are your office hours and fees?
How many sessions can I expect?
How long does each session last?
Can I contact you if I have an emergency?
What types of insurance do you accept?
Do you specialize in treating certain conditions?
To get the most out of therapy, be willing to consider new ideas and give the process time. Remember, it's normal to face discomfort or disagreement while the therapist challenges your misconceptions. If you don't sense any improvement within a reasonable amount of time, however, bring this up with your therapist. Or, consider seeing someone else if you don't feel the therapist is a good match for your personality or communication style. You have a right to a high quality of life -- and a therapist who can help you find it.
