What is psychotherapy vs. therapy? Also known as talk therapy, it is a means of treating a variety of mental health disorders and emotional difficulties. How does psychotherapy work? Psychotherapy has been effective in helping people deal with everything from the challenges of daily life, the impact of trauma, loss, and grief to specific mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. There are many psychotherapy programs—some may work better with specific problems or issues. Psychotherapy is often used successfully in combination with medication or other forms of therapy. Contact Honey Lake Clinic online or call 888.428.0562 to learn more about resort-like accommodations and our faith-based programs and services in Florida.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that helps individuals address and manage mental health disorders and emotional difficulties. Through open and supportive dialogue with a trained therapist or counselor, psychotherapy aims to help individuals understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in-depth, leading to positive life changes.
What Is Psychotherapy vs. Therapy?
Therapy is the treatment of a disorder or illness. Psychotherapy refers explicitly to the use of talk therapy as a means of treating mental health disorders and emotional difficulties. Unlike some forms of therapy that solely focus on medication, psychotherapy delves into the root causes of these issues and treats them through open and honest communication.
However, psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication to treat mental health concerns. In addressing some circumstances, combining medications and psychotherapy works better than either alone. Situations where medication can help alleviate symptoms, allowing a client to better focus on therapy are one example. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can also be invaluable to recovery and overall wellness.
How Does Psychotherapy Work?
Research indicates that psychotherapy can improve symptoms and overall well-being for those with mental health issues and addictions. Patients report emotional and behavioral enhancements. Brain imaging shows chemical brain changes post-therapy. Studies reveal brain changes in conditions like depression, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To benefit fully, clients must collaborate, communicate openly with their therapist, and stick to the treatment plan. Completing assignments like journaling between sessions is crucial.
What Are the Popular Types of Psychotherapy?
Psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health professionals use various types of talk therapy based on clients’ needs. They may blend different approaches to tailor treatment effectively. Some psychotherapy forms are more common and widely used, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognize and modify harmful thought and behavior patterns, fostering more accurate thinking and functional behaviors. This approach focuses on current issues and problem-solving, often involving real-world skill practice. CBT effectively treats various conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and eating disorders.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a brief treatment method that addresses underlying interpersonal challenges such as unresolved grief, role changes, conflicts with loved ones, and communication issues. It aids in healthily expressing emotions and enhancing interpersonal relationships, which is commonly used for depression.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of CBT that aids in emotion regulation. It’s beneficial for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and PTSD. DBT teaches new skills to promote personal responsibility for modifying unhealthy behaviors, incorporating individual and group therapy.
Additional therapies are sometimes used alongside psychotherapy to boost treatment results. These include animal-assisted therapy with dogs or horses for comfort during trauma, creative arts therapy using art forms for healing, and supportive therapies to help clients build coping skills.
Enroll in Psychotherapy at Honey Lake Clinic
At Honey Lake, we’re committed to providing compassionate care and the practical equipment necessary to significantly improve the condition that brought you to our program. With a faith-informed model, experienced staff, licensed professional caregivers, and individualized treatment—all in a beautiful and tranquil 1300-acre lakeside setting—we’re here to help you. Contact our team online or call 888.428.0562 today to learn more about how we can help you or your family.