Psychotherapy Explained: Your guide to treatment options & choosing the right therapist
5 minute read.
In many ways, therapy looks different from person-to-person. Therapy may be held on a couch, in a classroom, or outside walking on a trail. Whether it’s individual, family, couples, or group therapy, it is, broadly, a healing process that’s meant to support change.
Types of Counseling
Individual therapy* is the most common and involves someone working one-on-one with a mental health therapist in a caring and confidential space.
Family therapy* may include some, or all members of one’s family. Family therapy is meant to foster realistic change, and common goals include improving communication, understanding and navigating unique family situations, and overall, creating a better functioning home.
Marriage or couples therapy* is generally meant to support couples with communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationship and connection.
Group therapy* is where one or more therapists work with a group of up to 2-15 people. Group therapy tends to offer specialized support around one issue at a time, such as substance abuse, depression, or grief. Group therapy can act as a support network and sounding board, and offers the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from other group members in a thoughtful, non-judgmental environment.
Family, couples, and group therapy may be done solely or in conjunction with someone’s individual therapy.
Types of Therapy Treatment
Often, different therapists rely on different types of treatment for their clients. While sometimes therapists may practice faithfully to one model, most, including Evergreen’s therapists, are trained in a variety of approaches. In vetting a therapist, useful questions might include: “what methods of therapy are you trained in?” / “Do you specialize in anything?” Answers to these questions may give more information about the therapist’s fit for your goals/OR/with you. Common methods of therapy include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). (Look out for future blog(s) that dive deeper into these topics/OR/modalities!)
Why do people go to therapy?
One way to expand on the question of “what is therapy” is to ask “why do people go to therapy?” Often, someone comes into therapy hoping to identify and/or treat a mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Part of the therapy process may involve making sense of a mental health diagnosis. For example, a client may wish to understand it better and how to live with it while moving forward.
More so, there may be individuals who may not be struggling with any mental health issue per say, but are seeking support and/or a sounding board. We all experience difficult things (COVID-19 pandemic, family crisis, death, coping with stressors, and so on), and often, therapy can help with processing or adjusting in times of change, discomfort, or struggle. “Normal,” and even positive experiences can be intense, and it’s important to have space to process and receive support. Therapists can support individuals as they navigate their changing world and come to better understand themselves.
One of my favorite quotes about therapy comes from Lori Gottlieb, she says “therapy is about understanding the self that you are. But part of getting to know yourself is to unknow yourself - to let go of the limiting stories you’ve told yourself about who you are so that you aren’t trapped by them, so you can live your life and not the story you’ve been telling yourself about your life.”
How long does it take for therapy to work?
Sometimes, a person may choose to participate in therapy on-and-off for much of their lives, while others may feel their needs are met with only a few sessions and either return on an “as needed” basis, or they may not step foot in a therapist’s office again. Engaging in more frequent and structured sessions, however, will help you and your therapist stay oriented to specific treatment goals. Thus, it’s typical for a therapist to encourage meeting on a weekly or bi-weekly (every second week) basis.
If you were looking for a more concise answer about how long therapy takes, unfortunately, there isn’t one. I would offer that expecting therapy to take a certain amount of sessions may even inhibit your progress. It’s best to select a therapist who understands your level of urgency, and can support you in taking the time you need for yourself. Therapy takes time and effort, and there is a chance you may feel worse before you feel better. This doesn’t necessarily mean that therapy isn’t for you nor that you have the wrong therapist. You may just need to give yourself time to grow, learn, and self-reflect. “If you want to choose the pleasure of growth, prepare yourself for some pain.” - Irvin Yalom
How do I find the right therapist for me?
A mentor instilled in me that some 80% of the effectiveness of therapy comes from the relationship between therapist and client. One of the strongest predictors of successful treatment is liking your therapist! Beyond narrowing what kind of treatment you’re looking for, there are a lot of ways to vet your therapist. What this looks like may depend on your specific needs. There may be an individual who needs to work with a therapist of the same political orientation as them, while others may have a preference for their therapist’s gender. It can be discouraging to not “click” with a certain therapist, but it’s worth it to keep searching until the fit is right. Finally, therapists are not “all knowing,” but humans themselves. Clients and therapists grow alongside one another, and share the potential to help.
At Evergreen, we’re dedicated to helping you find the right therapist. If you’re considering therapy and/or have specific questions, I encourage you to call Evergreen Counseling & Wellness for a free 15-minute consultation - at (215) 323-4244.
Explore More Resources
What is therapy?
Issues/Matters
Common Methods of Therapy
Mental Health Diagnoses
Psychotherapist/Author: Lori Gottlieb
Hi, I’m Lexi!
I’m a licensed clinical social worker at Evergreen Counseling & Wellness. Read my bio to learn more about me and how I may help to provide support on your path to wellness.
