What Type Of Therapy Do I Need?

Commons Myths of Seeking Therapy

If you’ve made the decision to go to therapy, you’ve already taken an incredible step. When it comes to addressing our mental health needs, admitting that we’re struggling is usually the hardest thing to accept.  

You may be questioning if your desire for support is genuine – this is normal. Almost half of U.S adults will experience mental health issues in their lifetime, but sadly a lot of these people won’t seek therapy.  Within this blog, we will address common misconceptions about therapy, as well as popular forms of therapy that may find useful for your own needs.

Despite the benefits, therapy still faces stigma - here are some harmful myths associated with it:

• Therapy makes you weak. 

This is a common misconception – confronting your emotions and feelings can be very challenging. Going to therapy takes courage and should be seen as a strength.

• You must have a diagnosed mental health issue to go to therapy.

With the right therapist, they can help you to navigate the many difficulties of life, such as changing career paths, parenthood, or moving to a new city. Therapy has many forms and uses, and it doesn’t have to equate with having a mental health disorder.  

• You can only go to therapy if you’re ‘crazy.’

This is untrue. Therapy can be accessed by anyone and is there for those seeking trustworthy support and guidance. In an age of increasing levels of loneliness, human connection is vital, and therapy helps to fulfill this need. 

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Common Types of Mental Health Professionals 

There is a wide range of roles in the mental health world, but here are some of the most well-known:

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Psychiatrist

This is a medical doctor who is qualified to prescribe medication to their clients, but also practices psychotherapy. 

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Psychologist

Very similar to a psychiatrist, psychologists are trained in treating a range of mental health issues but cannot prescribe medication to their clients. 

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Licensed Professional Counselor/Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Licensed Social Workers

An LPC, LMHC or LCSW holds, at minimum, a master’s degree in counseling or social work. LPC’s, LMHC’s and LCSW’s can help their clients to develop a healthier relationship with their mental health and help to implement positive coping mechanisms. 

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Popular Forms of Therapy

So, by now you may be wondering, “what therapy is best for me?” Therapy takes many forms, but here are some of the most widely available and popular forms.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The purpose of CBT is to identify, understand and replace negative thinking with effective coping mechanisms. For those dealing with panic attacks, bipolar disorder or depression, this may be useful.

A CBT therapist acts as a coach and helps their client to develop helpful strategies. It helps to discourage black-and-white thinking and enables a person to process things from a perspective rooted in reality.  

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

The purpose of EMDR is to aid in lessening the severity of traumatic beliefs and memories. EMDR therapy involves eye movements, pulsations, or sound to stimulate both sides of the brain. 

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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT, based on CBT, has been adapted for those who feel extremely intense emotions, and is often used for those dealing with PTSD. In DBT there is a focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation.

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Take Our Quiz

Westchester Therapy want to make sure that you’re matched with the right therapist for your needs. If you’ve decided to go for therapy, let us help you make the right choice. 

We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. We will use your answers to better understand who you are and what you are looking for so we can match you with a top-ranked therapist in Westchester, NY. Click here to take the quiz. 

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