Therapy: 101

By: Sara Smith

The term “therapy” is used rather loosely when discussing treatment for anxiety and depression. There is not a one size fits all model for therapy, because no two people experience stress, depression, and anxiety the same way. When starting therapy, a therapist needs to complete a thorough review of a person’s history, needs, and goals before determining which model of treatment would work best.

Here is a brief introduction to just a few of the many therapeutic models available:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – The main principles of CBT address how a person’s thoughts and feelings affect their beliefs and behaviors. With CBT, a therapist and client work together to identify unhelpful ways of thinking, in order to challenge negative perceptions and behaviors.
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – CPT targets unhelpful beliefs and thoughts related to traumatic experiences, in order to decrease the negative effect these experiences can have on a person’s life and how they perceive the world around them.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – IPT targets interpersonal issues and how they affect your mood. With IPT, the focus is on interpersonal relationships and increasing social support.
• Mindfulness Based Therapy – This model of therapy incorporates mindfulness techniques to help break the cycle of unhelpful thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness techniques include meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery.
• Problem Solving Treatment (PST) – PST is used to help address problems that are contributing to or causing depression symptoms. With PST, problems are identified, broken down into manageable parts, and an action plan is created to make problems feel more manageable.
• Solution Focused Therapy – With Solution Focused Therapy, the therapist and client work to identify a person’s strengths and ability to accomplish change in life by focusing on solutions to what is bothering them.

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Keith Stein | 12/1/2021