Mental Health Therapy Treatments

Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.
— Brené Brown

THERAPY DESCRIPTION

General Information

There are many different approaches to mental health therapy. While Behavioral Activation Therapy (BAT) is, perhaps, the most effective non-medical intervention for most depressive disorders, especially for mild to moderately severe uni-polar depression, it is only one of may different approaches our counselors here at Summit Reach Counseling & Psychotherapy use when treating clients. Visit us at our clinic in Johnson, County, Arkansas. Our address is 910 S Rogers St, Clarksville, AR 72830-4331.

Types of Mental Health Therapies

Behavioral Therapy is based on the theory that you can ‘unlearn’ learnt behavior or change that behavior, without focusing on the reason behind the original behavior. People with compulsive and obsessive disorders, fears, phobias and addictions may benefit from this type of therapy. Originally, behavior therapy and cognitive therapies were distinct from each other. They have tended to be combined to produce what is now known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT.

Cognitive Analytical Therapy
This is an example of an Integrative approach. It is a short term, structured and directive therapy which explores the client’s language and thinking, and also the link between historical, cultural and social factors on how they function. It then encourages the client to develop the skills to change destructive patterns of behavior and negative ways of thinking and acting. It was devised to fit NHS needs for short term treatment of a variety of problems. It requires specialist training.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT has become very well known as a treatment of choice within the NHS for symptoms of anxiety and depression. It seeks to change distressing behavior relatively quickly by challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs and teaching the client to use coping strategies in the future. It aims to be ‘scientific’ by assessing and measuring change and does not prioritize finding original causes or exploring hidden potential. People with compulsive and obsessive disorders, fears, phobias and addictions tend to benefit from this type of therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapists believe that while it is important to have a good, trusting relationship, but that is not enough in itself. A willingness to do homework tasks in between sessions is considered very important.

Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. Originally, behavior therapy and cognitive therapies were distinct from each other. They have tended to be combined to produce what is now known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT.

Family Therapy
Family therapy explores family relationships. It works by looking at the family as a whole, rather than working with a single person in the family unit. The focus is on how families interact together and the therapist's aim is to involve the whole family in finding positive solutions. It requires specialist training.

Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy places a lot of emphasis on helping the client understand their non-verbal and body language, here-and-now behavior and potential for positive change. The client will be encouraged, and sometimes challenged, to accept responsibility for their actions, decisions and feelings. It is likely to be suited to people who are willing to try to do this. Modern Gestalt therapy is not, however, necessarily a ‘confrontational’ approach.

Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses the technique of hypnosis to induce a deep state of relaxation during which the unconscious mind is highly receptive to new ideas. Accessing this part of the mind through hypnosis can help to change behavior, attitudes and emotions, as well as manage pain, anxiety, stress-related illnesses and bad habits, including promoting personal development. To find out more, visit our partner organization the National Hypnotherapy Society.

Integrative Approaches
An increasing number of counselors describe themselves as ‘Integrative’. This means that rather than specializing in one traditional approach, they seek to combine aspects of different approaches to provide the most effective way of working.

Many counselors describe what they do as integrative without following a specific integrative model. They should be able to explain clearly to you how you will work together and what you can expect.

Multi-modal therapy
This is an example of an Integrative approach originating in behavior therapy. This approach uses broader techniques by looking at how the client functions overall in many areas of their life. The therapist is specifically trained to choose techniques most likely to be helpful and these are likely to include assertiveness training, anxiety management and visualization.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
The theory of NLP is broken down into three layers:
    Neuro involves creating our own mental map of the world.
    Linguistic involves how we each give meaning to the information.
    Programming involves how we respond to the meaning we have given to information.

NLP techniques are often used to bring about change and improve our personal growth, development and performance.
Person-centered counseling.

This approach is based on the idea that there are certain therapeutic conditions which are the key to successful personal growth. Most counselors will have learnt about the ideas of Carl Rogers, who emphasized the importance of the counselor being warm, empathic, non-judgmental and non –directive. A client in ‘pure’ person-centered counseling is particularly likely to feel accepted, supported and encouraged.

Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis originated with the work of Sigmund Freud, from which many different theories and ways of working have developed. It deals with the exploration of the unconscious mind, and requires a long specialist training. The analyst can make you aware of unconscious patterns so you can change them. Your relationship with the analyst is important as it can highlight your patterns of behavior within relationships generally.

Psychodynamic Counseling
Psychodynamic counseling developed form psychoanalysis. It focuses on the unconscious mind and past experiences, and explores their influence on current behavior. You will be encouraged to talk about childhood relationships with parents and other significant people. As part of the therapy you may transfer and pass on deep feelings about yourself, parents and others to the therapist. Although psychodynamic counseling can be practiced in a short series of sessions, it is more usual for it to be a relatively lengthy process. It is likely to appeal to people who are interested in exploring their own unconscious processes and who can accept that the changes they are seeking may take time to achieve.

Relationship Counseling
Relationship counseling aims to help people recognize and manage differences and negative patterns within their relationships. The therapist will explore your feelings and how you communicate. The aim is to help you find ways to change and adapt for a more positive future.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
This kind of therapy focuses on a particular issue and promotes positive change, rather than dwelling on the issue or past problems. You are encouraged to focus positively on what you do well, your strengths and resources and to set goals to achieve the changes you want to make. It is likely to appeal to people who prefer a highly practical, goal-oriented approach to problem-solving.