Therapy Explained

Have you ever wondered what therapy is all about? Maybe you've heard about it from a friend or seen it in a movie, but you're not sure what really goes on in a therapy session. Well, wonder no more! Today, we're going to dive into the world of therapy and explore how it works and what you can expect from a typical session.

First things first, what is therapy? Therapy is a form of mental health treatment that aims to help people manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Therapists use a variety of techniques and approaches to help their clients work through difficult issues and improve their overall well-being. There are many different types of therapy, but today we're going to focus on six specific approaches: DBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and IFS.

Let's start with DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT is a type of therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but it has since been used to treat a variety of other mental health conditions. In DBT, the therapist helps the client learn new skills to manage difficult emotions and improve their relationships with others. A typical session might involve practicing mindfulness exercises, role-playing social interactions, or learning coping strategies for dealing with distressing situations.

Next up is CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is one of the most widely used types of therapy and is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. In CBT, the therapist helps the client identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and productive ones. A typical session might involve discussing the client's thoughts and feelings about a particular situation and then brainstorming ways to reframe those thoughts in a more positive light.

Positive Psychology is another approach to therapy that focuses on the positive aspects of life rather than the negative. In Positive Psychology, the therapist helps the client identify their strengths and values and use them to create a more fulfilling life. A typical session might involve practicing gratitude exercises, setting goals, or reflecting on past successes.

Gestalt Therapy is a type of therapy that emphasizes the present moment and the client's immediate experience. In Gestalt Therapy, the therapist helps the client become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and learn how to accept them without judgment. A typical session might involve exploring the client's feelings through art or role-playing exercises, or practicing mindfulness techniques.

Narrative Therapy is an approach to therapy that focuses on the stories we tell ourselves about our lives. In Narrative Therapy, the therapist helps the client reframe their story in a more positive light and create a new narrative for their life. A typical session might involve exploring the client's past experiences and how they have shaped their current beliefs, or brainstorming ways to change the story they tell themselves about their life.

Finally, there's IFS, or Internal Family Systems Therapy. IFS is a type of therapy that focuses on the different parts of the client's personality and how they interact with each other. In IFS, the therapist helps the client become more aware of their different parts and learn how to manage them more effectively. A typical session might involve exploring the client's different parts through visualization exercises or practicing self-compassion.

So, what can you expect from a therapy session? Well, that really depends on the type of therapy you're receiving and the specific therapist you're working with. However, most therapy sessions follow a similar structure. You'll typically start by discussing any issues or concerns you're facing and setting goals for the session. Then, you'll work with your therapist to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in more depth and learn new skills to help you manage them more effectively. Finally, you'll wrap up the session by reflecting on