Understanding Therapy

The most universally applied method of growing inner well-being, mental health, and personal growth is therapy. And no longer a technique only for the crisis-prone, either, now it’s an empowering process for all who would like to develop more awareness, more courage, and greater self-awareness. When a trained mental health therapist discusses with an individual what issues they are facing and gives them guidance is called therapy or counselling or psychotherapy. Overwhelming or confusing experiences, feelings or thoughts that one person is going through with can be freely expressed in therapy as it is a safe place which stays confidential and non-judgemental. Therapy is not gossiping with buddies but it is a safe space where one can express what he has been going through and feeling from a prolonged period. Psychological science, good policies, and education instruct therapists to help clients control their emotions, solve their problems, and achieve personal goals.

Need For Therapy

Individuals go to therapy for different purposes, from specific mental disorders to the overall purpose of personal development. 

• A person typically suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other diagnosable disorder needs to go for therapy.
• Major changes in life creates a need for therapy like going through a divorce, career transition or losing someone.
• Relationship problems could also be solved from therapy like intimacy issues, communication problems, petty arguments which creates major conflicts.
• Being in extremely stressful circumstances or burnouts can create a need for therapy.
• Past trauma which affects the mental health of a person does create a need for therapy.

Objectives of Therapy

• Building coping mechanisms for a healthier lifestyle.
• Uncovering the source of emotional pain.
• Rewiring negative thoughts which automatically comes to mind .
• Building more genuine relationships with others and with oneself.
• Building awareness and control in one’s behaviour.
• Creating long-term growth and resilience in one’s personality.
• The outcome usually depends on whether the individual will become engaged in the process and how good the therapeutic relationship is formed.

Types of Therapy

1. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is the most common type of therapy. Replacing healthier and positive thoughts with the negative thoughts which were disturbing a person. Like instructing a person who is feeling anxious to not do things which make this situation even worse and try to practice copying skills which gives relief.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy tries to look on the experiences of a past that his childhood circumstances which has influenced his current relationships, behaviour and thinking. Gaining an understanding of unconscious feelings enables people to recognize chronic patterns and unresolved business.

3. Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic Therapy deals with self-acceptance of a person, their genuineness and human development. Humanistic Therapy does not focus on grieving pain rather it engages the individual to focus on their own strengths and building values.

4. Family and Couples Therapy

These therapies focus on building communication, conflict, and emotional closeness in intimate relationships. Strategies differ but frequently include acquiring skills in active listening and conflict resolution.

5. Group Therapy

Two or more one-to-one therapy, group therapy offers a feeling of equality and belongingness. There is the chance to work through with others who have similar problems alongside the advantage of professional help.

6. Specialist Therapies

There are also specialist modalities alongside the main modality, such as:

•   EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) deals with trauma.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) deals with emotional control and borderline personality disorder.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) deals with acceptance and psychological flexibility.

Expectations from Therapy Process

• Initially assessing the Background information which arrives in the form of issues, objectives, and client history, which are the initial sessions. This is where the therapist starts creating a personalized plan.
• Setting of goals is done which are realistic and measurable like improvement in self-esteem, improved communication skills, reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Attending regular sessions would include discussing problems, role-playing, checking the progress, journaling feelings and engaging in mindful training depending on the type of therapy.
• Effective achievement of objectives results in termination of therapy, tapering, or gradual transition to maintenance over the long term. Others also appreciate having occasional “check-in” sessions as a support group.

Myths About Therapy

There are common, popular culture myths and misconceptions about therapy that discourage individuals from seeking treatment. These must be destroyed.

• Myth: Receiving therapy means there is something “wrong” with you.

In life, therapy is not merely for crisis, but for anyone who wishes to be emotionally and psychologically healthier.

• Myth: Therapy is for a lifetime.

There are lots of brief, mission-oriented treatments that are weeks or months, not years.

• Myth: Talking to friends is Therapy

Friends do help in healing and letting oneself speak their heart out but Therapy is professional assistance which provides professional guidance to heal.

• Myth: Therapy is for “weak” people.

There is no weakness in taking Therapy rather it gives self-awareness, courage and strength.

Outcomes of Therapy

• Improved decision-making, objectivity and clarity enable the client to make better life decisions.
• Improvement in communication skills enables the client to have better relationships with their partners, family and friends.
• Therapy helps in reduction of symptoms of depression anxiety.
• Therapy gives emotional comfort as there is a safe space which is non-judgemental that diminishes overwhelmed feelings.
• Therapy does develop coping skills in a person and also builds reliance in the clients.
• There is a self-discovery of goals, values and identity of a person through therapy.

Online and Digital Therapy

In recent years, therapy has been revolutionized by the availability of mental health via the internet. Computer software enables individuals to interact with certified therapists using video conference calls, SMS, or voice calls.

Benefits:

• Accessibility to rural areas
• Scheduling flexibility
• Ease in hectic lifestyles
• Less stigma since it is confidential

Online therapy obviously has its advantages but will always lag behind where the intensity of intervention is high or for certain diseases.

When Therapy Won’t Do

Even if therapy is a mighty warrior, it might require other treatment such as medication, hospitalization, or additional psychiatric treatment at some points. It is not that the therapy failed but the fact that full treatment is necessary. Coordination among therapists, psychiatrists, and other physicians can provide best treatment in complex cases.

Self-care and Therapy

• Trying meditation, yoga and exercises.
• Developing a healthy sleep cycle.
• Having a good appetite by taking a proper diet.
• Engaging in activities which relieve stress and journalling feelings.
• Building supportive social networks.
• Trying new things like writing, reading, listening to music or painting.

Challenges of Therapy

• Therapy is expensive which makes it more difficult for people to take and there is a rare availability of therapists in some areas.
• Due to cultural differences an individual may find it difficult to seek therapy.
• Relieving painful past memories and feelings is very difficult which creates an emotional challenge to go for therapy.
• All therapists are not capable of handling all the clients, and in some cases, multiple attempts have to be made to locate the correct matching therapist.

The Future of Therapy

As disease of the mind departs from its stigma in society, so does therapy itself. Some of the most important trends of the future are:

More applications of technology: Software tools supported by artificial intelligence, chatbots, and web-based platforms will help therapists.

Treatment by gentle means: Disease of the body and disease of the mind are being seen as more and more closely linked to each other, and therefore treatments that bridge the gap are being formulated.

Prevention orientation: More and more people are coming for therapy earlier in life, before things get critical.

Cultural sensitivity: Indian cultures are very different and a bit reluctant to modern ways which creates a cultural barrier for people to go for Therapy.

Therapy is really not so much about “curing” a person rather about unleashing what a person already has in himself.