8 Types of Therapy You Should Know About and How They Can Help

Going through a phase of addiction recovery is never easy, no matter how early you start treatment intervention.

According to statistics, more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (59.3 million in 2022; 23.1% of the U.S. adult population). But how many of them take a step toward proper treatment?

If you feel that you should start with addiction recovery therapy, too, then it’s best to first understand the different types of therapy options available and which one works best for you.

So, let’s get started!

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a form of recovery treatment that aims to address the underlying causes of your addiction.

Some of the best rehabs all over the world use this therapy method to first understand why your addiction started in the first place. This will help you recognize any potential triggers and show you how to avoid and handle situations where you might relapse.

CBT is based on the theory that mental health problems are based on unhealthy behavior patterns that ultimately lead to addiction.

Moreover, if you have any psychological issues, such as constant negative thoughts about yourself, then CBT will show you how to manage them. By undergoing CBT, you’ll be able to enjoy a higher quality of life.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy has evolved from the principles of psychoanalysis, a long-term treatment plan to combat addiction and any underlying mental health issues.

During a psychodynamic therapy session, your counselor will urge you to simply speak your mind to figure out any patterns of thoughts or behaviors that might be contributing to your addiction.

For example, they might start asking questions about your past or childhood to understand where the problems stem from.

Your therapist helps you understand the connection between your conscious and subconscious mind to figure out which actions of yours are harmful.

If you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse, then psychodynamic therapy can be useful.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but now, it’s used to treat diverse mental health conditions like self-harm and negative thoughts.

DBT is slightly different from CBT because, unlike CBT, it focuses on accepting all the negative thoughts and feelings that may enter your mind and then figuring out a way to manage them.

The term “dialectical” means working with opposite forces, which essentially means that your therapist will show you how to accept and love yourself while also finding ways to improve your current conditions.

In DBT, the relationship that you have with your therapist is especially important because they’ll tell you how to override intense negative emotions.

4. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT is also a form of CBT, but this therapy specifically focuses on how rational or irrational one's thoughts are. This theory is based on the fact that a person’s thoughts, behavior, and addiction patterns reflect the thoughts that come and go.

Rational beliefs are sensible and logical thoughts, whereas irrational thoughts are extreme, unreasonable, and often inflexible.

Rational beliefs help you to manage your daily life smoothly and encourage positive self-management. On the other hand, irrational thoughts may often lead to more addictive behavior and unhealthy emotions.

REBT sessions will help you to remove any unwanted thoughts from your mind and place importance on positive thoughts so that you can overcome your addiction.

5. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based form of CBT that has been widely used to treat mental health disorders like PTSD and addiction issues that may have been caused by PTSD.

For example, if you’re suffering from PTSD, you might be living with rigid beliefs regarding yourself, the people around you, and the world at large. CPT helps you combat such beliefs and makes you more accepting of the world.

If you constantly think negative thoughts about others, you’ll become socially withdrawn and isolated, leading to addiction problems.

CPT shows you how to overcome trauma-based beliefs, such as having a deep distrust or dislike toward people, and work toward having a more positive outlook on life.

6. Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is an action-oriented therapy approach that tries to cure various mental health problems.

According to behavioral therapy principles, certain practices or habits from the past can cause you to develop negative patterns in your life, leading to mental health issues or addiction problems.

In behavioral therapy sessions, you won’t be asked too much about your subconscious mind. Instead, your therapist will tell you different ways to change your behavioral reactions and patterns that have been causing you pain.

There are different types of behavioral therapy techniques, such as systematic desensitization, which combines relaxation techniques with gradual exposure to something you’re afraid of, or aversion therapy.

7. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)

Prolonged Exposure Therapy, or PET, is also a research-based therapy technique aimed at treating PTSD, phobias, and OCD.

As the name suggests, your therapist will encourage you to face your fears and confront things that have been disturbing or scaring you.

All this is done systematically through professional help so that you can finally confront the things you have been avoiding without any long-term negative consequences.

For example, if you’re afraid to drive a car after suffering from a car accident, then prolonged exposure therapy will help you list down your fears, with the fears getting progressively more intense.

You can either start with a simple discussion with your therapist or take real-life action.

8. Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy is relatively easier on the mind and refers to an interconnection of all the different aspects of your life, starting right from your physical and mental well-being to your spiritual connections.

In holistic therapy, your counselor will urge you to participate in activities like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, art, or spiritual/religious interventions.

All these activities are aimed at making your daily life simpler by distracting your mind from substance abuse or negativity.

For example, if you have a hobby of painting or drawing, then holistic therapy will encourage you to continue pursuing what you love.

Most substance use recovery centers have at least one or two types of holistic therapy to ensure their patients can incorporate daily life activities amid treatment.

Conclusion

It’s important to understand which type of therapy works best for you because therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach. So, contact your healthcare professional today, discuss your concerns, and learn what works for you!