In therapy, the term “modalities” is used to describe the actual structure of the therapy session. This includes the topics you’ll discuss, the number of participants you can expect and the kind of mental health professional you’ll see. It’s the basic format of your meeting. There are several kinds available and each offers its own benefits and considerations.
Walking into a session without any idea of what to expect can feel daunting, so research is an important first step. Choosing the right modality means finding a therapist who can address your condition in an environment that makes you feel safe, comfortable and seen. This is key to achieving the long-term recovery outcomes you expect.
Individual Therapy
In an individual therapy session you’ll work directly with a therapist without any other parties present. This allows you to share and explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a secure, confidential space. Your therapist will ask questions and actively listen. They’ll also offer actionable guidance and insights.
This is one of the most common therapy modalities used for a range of mental health conditions from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and OCD. It can be especially beneficial for individuals who are living with phobias or the effects of trauma as well as those with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Individual therapists may specialize in certain programs such as trauma informed or faith-based sessions. They may also offer services for particular population groups such as first responders or abuse survivors. Psychiatrists who offer individual therapy can prescribe medications to help clients manage symptoms.
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Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions help you connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges to the ones you’re facing. There will be a therapist who introduces topics and facilitates the meeting and makes sure everyone has an opportunity to share. The meeting space will be comfortable and secure. Seats usually arranged in a circle to encourage face to face interaction.
Group sessions help clients overcome issues like anxiety, depression and substance use. Individuals experiencing isolating conditions like grief, PTSD or ADHD can also benefit from the solidarity and sense of community that they offer. Group therapists may focus on treating marginalized populations that share common lived experiences such as members of the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC community.
Family Therapy
In a family therapy session you’ll communicate openly with your loved ones under the guidance of a therapist who will direct the meeting. These conversations typically center around the dynamics of your relationships and the challenges you share.
Your therapist will observe how you interact with one another and help you understand the root of your underlying issues. Together you’ll learn practical tools to improve communication and overcome problems in a healthy and productive way.
Families experiencing problems with conflict resolution, substance abuse or mental health disorders can benefit from these meetings. Family therapists may also specialize in addressing certain conditions that commonly affect relatives, including grief, infidelity or trauma. Anyone you consider part of your family structure can attend these sessions including caregivers and friends.
Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling allows spouses to explore their relationship, address issues, and learn ways to deepen their bond. These sessions will take place in a secure environment where both parties will feel free to share their feelings. Your therapist will focus on addressing common issues that affect partners, such as conflict resolution skills or unhealthy communication patterns.
Marriages impacted by mental health conditions such as infidelity, anxiety and depression can benefit from the advice of a trained therapist. Counselors may also specialize in addressing dual disorders to help clients work through co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges affecting their relationships.
Some couples may prefer marriage counselors who specialize in faith based programs.
Online
Online therapists are also known as virtual therapists or teletherapists. These are mental health experts who provide their services in a virtual format over an internet connection. They may use video conferencing, chat or another online platform to connect.
You can expect the same level of care and support you’d receive from a face to face meeting. The meeting will be secure and confidential and you may prefer the convenience and comfort of logging in from your home or office.
Online therapists serve a range of populations, especially those who may have barriers that keep them from attending in-person care. This includes individuals with physical disabilities or phobias as well as clients who live in more rural locations.
Psychologists
A psychologist is a mental health expert who specializes in studying how the mind affects human behavior. These providers use talk therapy to help clients dig to the root of their issues and understand why they’re feeling, acting or behaving a certain way.
They then show them healthy ways to overcome their challenges and deal with life’s stressors. They can also perform psychological evaluations and conduct testing to better understand and treat the issues you’re facing.
Psychologists can work with individuals, couples, and families and serve clients of all ages and backgrounds. They can also lead group therapy sessions. Some treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and trauma. Others specialize in certain fields like grief or personality disorders.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who diagnose, evaluate and treat a variety of mental health disorders. They work with clients to understand their challenges from a medical, social and psychological angle and provide a comprehensive approach to recovery.
In addition to offering therapeutic interventions these experts can also write prescriptions for medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics or other drugs to help clients manage their symptoms.
Psychiatrists can help treat many different kinds of conditions including anxiety disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorders. Some may specialize in treating specific populations such as adolescent or geriatric clients.
Psychotherapists
A psychotherapist is anyone who uses talk therapy to help clients overcome emotional issues or mental health conditions. Their field can be different based on the level of training, experience and education they have. Psychiatrists and psychologists can be classified as psychotherapists but this title can also extend to counselors, behavioral therapists, and social workers.
Psychotherapists can use a range of approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as holistic options like art therapy to help clients talk through their issues.
While most psychotherapists offer individual therapy, you can also find providers who are qualified to work with couples, groups, and families. They may specialize in treating certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and PTSD, as well as other life challenges like grief, trauma, and stress.
Social workers are trained to help individuals cope with issues that affect their daily lives. This might mean connecting clients with basic resources, like food, healthcare and housing. It may also mean intervening in a crisis such as child abuse or domestic violence. They work in various settings including private offices, schools, hospitals and government agencies.
Clinical social workers are trained to diagnose and treat problems related to an individual’s mental, behavioral, or emotional health. They may also treat issues related to substance abuse, as well as systemic barriers such as poverty and discrimination.
These professionals can help clients understand and advocate for their legal rights and may specialize in working with specific populations such as children, seniors, justice involved individuals or clients with developmental disabilities.
Mental Health Counselors
A mental health counselor specializes in helping clients overcome a variety of emotional and behavioral issues that can affect their mental wellness.
They work with individuals, families and groups to set goals and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Your meetings will be confidential conversations that are expertly guided to help you dive deeply into your thoughts and feelings.
Mental health counseling combines psychotherapy with problem solving approaches to help clients address the underlying issues behind their challenges.
Some of the conditions a counselor can treat include depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, phobias and substance use disorders. They may offer faith-based programs, trauma focused programs or dual diagnosis programs for clients with co-occurring conditions.
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Other Considerations
The type of mental health condition you’re experiencing will directly influence the kind of therapy modality you need. There are experts who are specially trained in the challenge you’re facing and have the skills and knowledge necessary to help you reclaim your quality of life.
Connecting with the right providers can ensure that you’ll receive targeted and individualized care that helps you reach your recovery goals.
Search by Type of Therapy
Some types of therapy are more successful at treating different conditions than others.
For example, exposure therapy can help individuals who are struggling with different phobias, while cognitive behavioral therapy addresses psychological disorders like anxiety and depression.
Understanding the available options can help you choose a method that makes you feel comfortable and supports your long term healing.
Search by Specialty Program
When searching for a therapist, consider any specialty populations they may serve. While some providers offer their services to a range of ages and client types, others have a more narrow niche.
For instance, they may specialize in serving veterans and first responders, dual-diagnosis clients, individuals with physical disabilities, or members of the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC community. These therapists will have extra training that allows them to provide culturally competent services to these groups.
Find a Therapist
Deciding to seek help is an important first step toward optimizing your mental health and transforming your life. When you’re ready to connect with a qualified, experienced therapist, you can start with us.
Our online search tool makes it easy to find a local expert in your area who offers the services you need in a format that works for you. Get started today!
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