Which Therapy to Choose?

A Clinical Psychologists key value is that they are trained with different types of therapies and can also take an integrated approach (combining different therapies). However, this is something to be done structurally, a clinically robust psychologist should be able to tell you what and why when they are doing in designing your therapy.

This blog post is to help you understand how the different therapies may differ to help you decide collaboratively with your therapist which therapy is best for you right now. Accessing therapy can equip you with skills to manage the difficult emotions that never stop throughout life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

For Therapies, Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the Jack Daniel's of the Whisky world. For decades it has had the most attention, funding and research. It focuses on tweaking the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through CBT, clients may identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours and practice replacing them with more adaptive ones. CBT generally focusses on the here and now rather than focussing on your past. This therapy is effective in treating various difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. 

Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT):

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes self-compassion as a tool for mental healing and achieving a better balance in all areas of life. Most peoples initial response to the therapy name is that it sounds like a fluffy therapy that wont make a difference or that it will slow them down too much, it often changes peoples minds about that initial judgement in the first few sessions. This therapy is particularly effective for individuals struggling with self-criticism, guilt or shame (arguably the most uncomfortable emotions on the spectrum). CFT helps clients develop self-compassion by understanding and addressing their inner critic. Clients can often build a healthier relationship with themselves and others through adjusting their balance of how much self-compassion they use.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to personal values-based actions. ACT teaches clients to be present in the moment and let go of the struggle fighting with unhelpful thoughts and emotions. Instead of trying to eliminate these experiences, clients learn to work with them. By clarifying personal values and setting meaningful goals, individuals can create a more fulfilling life aligned with their core values.

Psychodynamic Therapy:

Psychodynamic therapy focuses the unconscious mind to explore unresolved conflicts and unconscious patterns. The theory promotes that by examining past experiences and their impact on present-day emotions and behaviours, clients gain insight into their inner world. It is a more controversial therapy as some psychologists are less convinced as to how the mechanisms behind this technique promotes better mental health, however, others would argue that research evidence exists to prove its effectiveness.

Conclusion:

There are more therapies available but these are the ones that are most commonly used in the UK currently. Psychologists working collaboratively with clients to select the most appropriate therapy for their goals is key. For eating disorder therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for eating disorders is often the first line, MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults) is a therapy specifically designed for Anorexia Nervosa which also has a strong evidence based background, CFT and ACT are also adaptable for eating disorders.

You may have tried one type of therapy already. It may be worth seeing if a different therapy style suits you better or if trying it with a different therapist or at a different stage of your life is what makes the difference the next time.