You might be familiar with the term “psychotherapy” in a general sense. What you might not necessarily know is that there are different kinds. Each distinct one has a different goal behind it as well.
If you check into a mental health treatment center, you might very well seek out a qualified mental health professional who can be your guide through the psychotherapy process. You ought to learn a little about the various kinds before you decide which one you need, though.
We will run through five of them right now.
Table of Contents
Family Psychotherapy
If you get into family psychotherapy, that means you’re receiving treatment, but some or all of your immediate family members get involved as well. Essentially, the mental health professional who includes them does so because they feel that will help you with your treatment. If you have received a mental illness diagnosis, this type of therapy becomes much more appropriate.
Marital Psychotherapy
If you’re married to someone who has received a mental illness diagnosis, then it’s likely their therapist will want to make you a part of their therapy. If the therapist can fill you in on what’s happening with your spouse, then you can actively listen and learn about what they’re going through. That is often helpful as you try to find your way forward as a couple.
Couples Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy for couples who are not married is often similar to that which is intended for married couples. However, maybe it won’t turn out to be exactly the same.
If you’re married to someone, then it is expected that you will stay with them through thick and thin. You’ve got a legal obligation to do so.
If you’re only dating someone, though, you might feel tempted to break things off with them if you find out they have a mental illness diagnosis. Couples psychotherapy can often help you come to terms with this information so that you two can stay together.
Group Psychotherapy
Group psychotherapy occurs when a mental health professional feels that you have a condition or you’re in a situation where hearing from others who are like you might benefit you. You can sit in on sessions with several individuals, many of whom will probably be experiencing some of the identical thoughts and emotions that you are.
This can be tremendously helpful for some people. You might find that you gain a new perspective when you see others coping with some of the same challenges that you face.
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy is usually what comes to mind for a layperson when a doctor brings up this general school of treatment. It’s a series of one-on-one encounters between doctor and patient.
Usually, the individual who agrees to undergo psychotherapy is having trouble getting past an issue in their current life. They might choose to use their time to reveal what they went through in the past. They may have just received a mental illness diagnosis, and they’re trying to come to terms with it.
Featured Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
