Many evidence-based programs for substance abuse disorders revolve around psychotherapy. The psychotherapy definition involves using psychological methods instead of medical techniques to treat mental disorders. Psychotherapy encompasses a wide range of approaches. However, they all involve communication between an individual and a therapist.
The Psychotherapy Definition: Is It All Just Talk?
We often use the terms counseling, talk therapy, and psychotherapy interchangeably. Overall, these involve a therapeutic relationship between a counselor or therapist and the patient.
Counseling and talk therapy involve discussing current problems and coming up with solutions. Often, counselors don’t give advice. Instead, they help guide the individual to explore potential answers.
Psychotherapy doesn’t always focus on one specific issue. Instead, it takes into account overall habits, recurrent emotions, and chronic patterns.
Different Approaches To Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy falls into several categories, including:
• Psychoanalysis
• Behavior therapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Humanistic therapy
• Holistic therapy
Psychoanalysis explores the unconscious meanings and motivations behind behavior. Cognitive therapy also focuses on how people’s thoughts contribute to problematic behaviors.
Behavior therapy concentrates more on learned behaviors that may govern someone’s life. Humanistic therapy empowers people to take control of their full potential.
Holistic therapy blends many different approaches, including massage, nutrition, talk therapy, and meditation.
Myths About Psychotherapy
Some people believe you have to have a severe mental illness to undergo psychotherapy. However, research shows that the practice treats mental disorders of varying severity, including addiction.
Additionally, another myth about psychotherapy is that an individual can get just as much out of talking with friends and family as they would seeing a therapist. While support from loved ones is vital when you’re going through a hard time, additional help is often necessary. Psychologists have specialized training and experience. Thus, they can use evidence-based techniques to help you manage a mental or substance abuse disorder.
A therapist doesn’t just listen to you vent. He or she can help you identify problems, establish goals, and assess your progress. Although psychotherapy isn’t a cure for mental illness, it can help you become more aware of your situation so you can more effectively work toward recovery.
Addiction Therapy with Steps to Recovery
At Steps to Recovery, we incorporate psychotherapy into many of our healing processes. We use comprehensive approaches such as:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Addiction counseling
Not to mention, our holistic recovery center gives clients the tools to permanently keep drugs out of their lives. We work to help you expand life skills, build long-term sobriety, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
Above all, the needs of our clients are our number one priority. Therefore, we customize our approach to treatment so that it’s most effective for you. We want you to recover.
Call us at 866-488-8684 to learn more about the psychotherapy definition and how our private, compassionate recovery center can put you on the path to healing.
