When it comes to psychotherapy and the treatment of mental illnesses and addictions, several different talk therapy and treatment techniques are utilized by psychiatrists and therapists. These treatments can differ, depending on the individual needs and challenges of the patient.
The form of therapy that you are most likely to be familiar with—and perhaps may have experienced yourself—is talk therapy, or psychotherapy. During these sessions, the therapist or psychiatrist will lead a conversation with the patient, and may touch on many different topics and issues. Talk therapy is often used to work out problems and issues that the patient is having, and is commonly quite effective for improving the condition of many mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.
One of the reasons why talk therapy may be so effective is because it allows the patient to explore whatever topics they wish to talk about. With help from one of our trained mental health professionals, this often helps the patient to understand themselves and their problems better.
However, there are other forms of therapy available to patients with specific disorders or afflictions. Behavioral therapy is a more structured and focused treatment, offered at our facility, Blueprints for Recovery. Blueprints for Recovery is a long-term drug treatment facility; however, certain types of behavioral therapies are effective in treating both mental illness and addiction. For more information on the treatment, you can stay up to date with Blueprints for Recovery on our site, or call us today at (888) 391-9772.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of therapy commonly used for the treatment of dysfunctional emotions or behaviors, negative thinking, depression, and anxiety. This list is not exclusive, and CBT can also be used to treat a host of other conditions, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic. CBT is most effective when combined with medication, and takes place during a series of structured sessions with a psychotherapist.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT, on the other hand, was originally developed as a treatment for suicidal patients, but has since evolved to treat patients who have borderline personality disorder as a primary diagnosis, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. DBT can also be used to treat substance abuse and addiction. Like CBT, it consists of structured sessions, and DBT therapy focuses on coping, mindfulness, acceptance, change, and validation of feelings.
Seeking Help
If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or other symptoms of mental illnesses, know that there are therapies designed to help you heal. There’s no shame in seeking help for mental illness. Contact a professional today.
Mental illness and substance abuse can be a challenging, isolating combination. Contact Blueprints for Recovery today to learn about our effective courses of therapy and how they can help you recover.
