A basic guide to getting the psychological help you need

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oday there are many different types of psychotherapies. Here’s a list (in random order) of many common ones used for individual psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy, transpersonal therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), brainspotting, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), schema therapy, exposure and response prevention (ERP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), motivational interviewing, prolonged exposure therapy, narrative therapy, sensorimotor therapy, polyvagal-informed therapy, focusing-oriented psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, experiential psychotherapy, Gestalt therapy, compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and person-centered therapy (Rogerian).

There are many others. Each has a particular treatment protocol targeting one or more aspects of human psychology (thoughts, emotions, behavioral tendencies, physical sensations, values, spirituality). No therapist is highly trained in all of the available therapeutic modalities. In fact, a therapist may have advanced training in only one. However, many therapists use the modality called eclectic/integrative therapy that utilizes a unique (personal) blend of many different psychotherapies they have studied in depth.

Psychotherapies Purpose

Almost all of these therapies treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma — each in their own way. Moreover, each makes their “specialty” contributions, addressing some issues more directly and effectively. For instance, there’s is motivational interviewing for substance abuse, ERP for OCD, CBT and ACT for generalized anxiety disorder, IFS & the somatic (body-based) therapies for trauma, DBT for borderline personality disorder and suicidality, supportive therapy for stress management, and so on.

Psychotherapy in one form or another treats the most common issues that people come to therapy for, which are: anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, self-esteem and personal confidence, trauma and abuse, addictions (problems with substances or behaviors), chronic and/or serious health issues, personal growth and well-being.

What’s the Difference?

These different professions offer different types of help to clients. Here are some suggestions to help a person determine whether to seek the expertise of a psychotherapist, counselor, or coach:

Psychotherapist: Look for a psychotherapist when you’re dealing with any kind of stress but especially when symptoms are disrupting your basic well-being or functioning. You may be seeking relief from significant stress, despair, or overwhelm. You may also have symptoms such as sleep issues, physical agitation, relationship issues, difficulty concentrating or carrying out responsibilities. Many professions train, supervise, and license psychotherapists. Providing they have specific training and licensing in psychotherapy, the following professionals can practice psychotherapy: psychiatrists, medical doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners, registered psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.

Counselor: Look for a counselor to help you with moderate stress, mood issues, mild depression, mild anxiety, relationship issues, transitions, grief, loss, career and workplace issues, self-esteem, motivation, personal goals, and emotional well-being. Counselors are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Depending on where you live, a counselor may be required to be fully licensed or may not be required to have any licensing at all! For safest and most professional care, seek a counselor who has been trained, supervised, and licensed/accredited. Note that psychotherapists can provide counseling as well as psychotherapy, and counselors can provide coaching as well as counseling.

Coach: Look for a coach to help you achieve specific, practical goals such as establishing professional objectives or acquiring skills (relationship skills, marriage skills, parenting skills, dating skills, speaking skills, time-management skills, money-management skills, health objectives and so on). A coach can provide structure, support, and motivation to help you reach your goals. They don’t assess or treat mental health conditions. Coaches can voluntarily undertake training and accreditation, but aren’t required by the government to do so. Anyone can call themselves a coach. Therefore, consumer beware: Look for training and accreditation. A coach can’t provide psychotherapy or counseling.

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you can see, there are many kinds of helpers and many kinds of help — so much in fact that finding the right help can be a confusing exercise. Getting a recommendation from someone you trust is a good place to start. But many people also “shop around” for highly qualified practitioners who are working in a modality they want to explore or specializing in an issue they want to address.

After a couple of months of work with one professional, ask yourself if you’re starting to sense a shift, if you are feeling optimistic or if you’re beginning to meet some of your goals. Some people will complete their work with one therapist, but many will do their healing in stages, each with a different therapist along the way. Sometimes a short course of therapy, counseling, or coaching is all that’s needed to achieve a specific goal and sometimes long-term work is more appropriate. It’s all good. Just keep growing and keep going, getting better and better every day!

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 959)