Talk therapy is one of the most widely available forms of treatment, yet many people will shy away from it. With a variety of options, finding talk therapy that works for you is possible.
What Is Talk Therapy?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) refers to “a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.” Most talk therapy sessions take place with a licensed mental health professional in an individual or group setting.
In a literal sense, talk therapy helps you overcome challenges in your life by talking them out. It can be used in place of medication in treatment, or it can be incorporated into a comprehensive plan for recovery.
Reasons to Seek Out Therapy
There are many different reasons for seeking out therapy. If you are going through any kind of mental, physical, or emotional challenge, talk therapy can help. The NIMH lists out some reasons why you may seek out psychotherapy, like:
- Stressors from job or family situations
- Loss of a loved one
- Relationship and family problems
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Stress, worry, sadness
Benefits of Talk Therapy
Talk therapy can aid a wide variety of people, including those struggling with psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders (SUDs), general anxiety, and traumatic experiences. Therapy allows your voice to be heard, and it can boost your confidence. It will also help you feel less lonely when you know you have someone to talk to.
Another benefit is having an outlet for negative or intrusive thoughts, which can alleviate stress. This is especially helpful for those who feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders due to work, family, or other obligations.
Types of Talk Therapy
If talk therapy hasn’t worked for you, you may want to try a different variation. You can mix and match different therapies and even seek out help with different professionals or groups until you find one that works well for you.
Group therapy is a popular method that is utilized a lot in treatment and outside support groups. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), group therapy has many advantages, including “potential benefits in promoting social support, reducing isolation and stigma, developing effective communication and interpersonal skills.”
Other types of psychotherapies can include family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), bereavement therapy, and many more.
Getting the Most Out of Your Therapy
In order to get the most out of therapy, it’s important to keep an open mind. If you tried one method without success, you could seek out something different that may work better for your unique situation.
In order to truly heal your life, you’re going to want to have a toolkit of different methods at your disposal. Always remember that your healing journey is your own. You can find what works best for you and leave the rest at the door.
Talk therapy is one of the most popular and well-known modalities to help those struggling with addiction, traumatic experiences, and mental health disorders. At The Guest House, we offer a variety of talk therapies that you can incorporate into your overall treatment. Our group therapy program will allow you to connect with peers, allowing you to feel like your voice is truly heard. Our highly-trained clinicians are there for you through individual therapy, as well as psychiatric sessions, when needed. For more information, call us at (855) 483-7800.