What Type Of Therapy Is Best For Me?

When you first start looking into therapy, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the information. Do you need CBT or DBT? Is online therapy better than in-person sessions? What about traditional talk therapy versus other methods?

Even if you’ve been in therapy before, all of these considerations can make your head spin. You may be worried that you won’t get what you need if you don’t pick exactly the right kind of therapy.

Many times, you won’t know what you want or need in therapy until you try it. With that being said, having some guidance can help you narrow down your options.

Here, we’ll go over some different types of therapy to help you figure out what type of therapy is best for you.

What kind of therapy is right for me?

Ultimately, you know yourself best, and deciding on a type of therapy is up to you. However, learning more about what different types of therapy entail can help you make your choice.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

This is one of the most commonly used forms of therapy. Some therapists use CBT techniques exclusively while others incorporate elements of CBT into their work with clients. 

CBT is built on the idea that our thoughts (cognitions) are directly related to our actions (behaviors). According to this approach, changing the way we think about situations can also change how we feel and act. Likewise, changing our actions can also have an effect on how we think and feel.

CBT can be helpful with many different types of problems, including things like anxiety and depression. It tends to be a more structured approach, so it may be worth looking for a CBT therapist if that is important to you.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Many people are unfamiliar with the idea of EMDR. While the name is long and intimidating, EMDR can provide excellent results, especially if you’ve experienced trauma.

When you survive a stressful or traumatic life event, your nervous system changes. It becomes more sensitive to certain triggers that remind you of that event. It’s your body’s way of keeping you safe--but sometimes it works a little too well, leaving you in a constant state of survival mode.

EMDR helps retrain your nervous system so that you can regain control. It allows you to break free from constantly being hijacked by your mind and body.

Our practice offers holistic EMDR that emphasizes integrating your mind and body. For more information on how holistic EMDR can guide you in your healing journey, connect with our team (we work with California residents).

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Like EMDR, DBT is another type of therapy with a complex-sounding name. At its core, DBT aims to help people learn to better manage their emotions.

Within this work, DBT therapists also help people have more effective relationships with others and learn new tools for coping with stress, such as mindfulness.

While DBT was originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder, it can be helpful for anyone who has challenges with regulating their emotions. Like CBT, some therapists exclusively use DBT while others incorporate elements of it into their work. 

Traditional DBT usually requires a significant time commitment--it’s not intended to be a short-term form of a treatment. Keep that in mind when deciding if this type of therapy is best for you.

Depth psychotherapy or psychoanalysis

This type of approach to therapy involves delving deep into your experience to unearth parts of you that you may be hiding from yourself. This is what our Los Angeles psychotherapists practice.

Sometimes, we hold stories and beliefs in our unconscious mind as a way of protecting ourselves. While this is understandable, therapists are specially trained to create a safe space for you to express yourself. 

With the help of therapy, you can get to know the hidden parts of yourself and fully integrate them so that you can heal. This approach can also help you learn more about yourself and deepen your relationships with others as well.

Depth psychotherapy or psychoanalysis can be helpful for a wide range of people. Like DBT, it tends to be more long-term due to the time it takes to delve into the dynamics of the subconscious.

Holistic psychotherapy

Taking a holistic approach to therapy involves integrating the mind, body, and spirit. Most therapy focuses on the mind--such as thoughts and emotions--but holistic therapists place value on the entire person.

Holistic psychotherapy can look different from person to person. However, mindfulness is one common tool used in this kind of therapy. Practicing mindfulness can help you increase your awareness of your emotions, connect to your physical body, and get in tune with your spirituality--whatever that means to you.

Interested to learn more about holistic therapy? Get in touch with our team at Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Should I choose in-person therapy or teletherapy?

Both in-person therapy and teletherapy can be highly effective, so the choice is yours. You may prefer in-person therapy if you like the idea of going to a designated space for your sessions. Some people also find it easier to connect with a therapist when talking with them in person.

On the other hand, many people also prefer teletherapy. You can speak to your therapist from the comfort of your own home, plus you don’t need to take time off work, travel, or find parking. Many people find the scheduling flexibility that comes along with teletherapy appealing.

Most issues are appropriate for either in-person or teletherapy. Managing mental health, improving relationships, and learning more about yourself are all areas that can be effectively treated virtually or in the office.

Contact our team of holistic psychotherapists for more information

Interested in holistic therapy, maybe even holistic EMDR? Considering teletherapy? Our team of holistic therapists are happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.

If you think we’d be a good fit and live in California, reach out to our team today to schedule your complimentary consultation.