Psychological therapies are becoming increasingly popular to help people overcome mental health issues or improve their well-being. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to psychological therapy. However, each type of therapy offers its unique benefits and potential outcomes. Below we discuss what to expect from common and emerging psychological therapies.
Brainspotting Therapy![]()
Brainspotting therapy or Brainspotting is a psychological therapy that can help people process and treat deeply ingrained traumatic experiences and address various mental health issues. This type of therapy sometimes referred to as “brain-body psychotherapy,” involves eye movements or other focused attention on an image, sound, or feeling related to a particular issue. The therapist will then use cognitive and somatic techniques to help the client explore his or her emotions surrounding the issue.
In Brainspotting sessions, clients may be asked to focus on specific images or sounds associated with their issues in order to gain insight into their underlying emotions. During each session, the therapist will listen closely for any physical or emotional cues indicating how the client is processing their emotions and thoughts. After identifying any underlying issues, the therapist will then provide emotional support to help the client learn how to effectively manage their responses.
Clients can expect Brainspotting sessions to last anywhere from one hour to several hours, depending on the complexity of their issues. Typically, a few sessions are needed before results can be seen; however, some clients have reported feeling relief after just one session. During sessions, clients should feel safe and respected by their therapists as they work together to uncover deeper insights into their psychological well-being.
It is important for clients undergoing Brainspotting therapy to keep an open mind and not be afraid of facing difficult emotions. Brainspotting has some risks associated with it. It is important to discuss these risks with your practitioner before starting the therapy. Some of the most common Brainspotting risks include emotional discomfort, fatigue, increased stress levels and anxiety, intrusive thoughts or memories related to traumatic events, and even physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches. In rare cases, people may experience an exacerbation of pre-existing symptoms that may have been put on hold due to a lot of internal work done in the sessions.
If any of these risks occur while undergoing Brainspotting therapy, inform your practitioner immediately so they can adjust their technique or provide additional support if needed. Additionally, this therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or psychiatric care. If you are experiencing severe mental health issues, please seek the help of a licensed professional.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based talk therapy focusing on the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is designed to help people identify negative thought patterns, challenge them, and then replace them with more adaptive thought processes. CBT also encourages clients to take action in their lives – for example, setting goals or problem-solving in order to manage their emotions better.
CBT is typically used as a short-term therapy; it often only takes 5–20 sessions, depending on the individual’s needs. During a session, a therapist will discuss the client’s thoughts and behaviors before exploring how these might contribute to their presenting issue. After this exploration process, the therapist will work with the client to develop coping strategies that can be implemented and practiced outside of the therapy room.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is rooted in CBT but incorporates additional elements such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation skills. It is commonly used to treat Borderline Personality Disorder and other long-term mental health conditions such as substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. For anxiety counselling calgary, you can visit One Life Counselling & Coaching.
At its core, DBT aims to help people learn how to better regulate their emotions by recognizing when they are feeling overwhelmed or distressed so that they can manage it more effectively. Sessions typically involve cognitive behavioral strategies combined with mindfulness practice and skill-building exercises. It also strongly focuses on improving interpersonal relationships through communication and conflict-resolution techniques. Like CBT, it is often used as a short and practiced outside of the therapy room.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence-based practice that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without acting immediately. It combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices such as meditation and guided imagery to help people become more accepting of themselves, build emotional resilience and commit to taking action toward meaningful goals.
During an ACT session, therapists often encourage clients to observe their thoughts without judgment and start noticing patterns or triggers causing distress. Once these have been identified, the therapist will work with the client to develop specific coping strategies and help them set meaningful goals.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy focuses on building awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to gain insight into how these interact with each other. It encourages clients to explore their thought patterns, identify any unresolved issues that may be causing emotional distress, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
Gestalt sessions often involve role-playing, art, and movement activities as a way of helping clients gain greater insight into their behaviors and cognitive patterns. The aim is to help people become more self-aware and recognize the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions so that they can make positive changes in their lives.
Family Therapy
Family Therapy is a type of psychotherapeutic intervention used to improve the functioning of families by resolving conflicts, improving communication, and building stronger relationships between members. It focuses on addressing issues that affect the family as a whole rather than just individual members. The aim is to help families become more efficient at dealing with each other’s needs and develop problem-solving skills.
Sessions typically involve all family members participating in activities together such as brainstorming solutions or role-playing scenarios. The therapist may also provide homework assignments that help family members practice what they have learned in therapy at home. With the help of a trained family therapist, families can gain insight into how their behavior affects each other and develop more effective strategies for dealing with conflicts.
Family therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with mental health issues or specific problems such as substance abuse. It has been proven to be an effective treatment for improving communication, increasing understanding, and resolving underlying causes of distress within the family system. With the right support, family therapy can be a powerful tool for helping families to become stronger and more supportive of one another.
Many types of psychological therapies available can help individuals cope with mental health issues and improve their overall well-being. It is important to find a therapist who is experienced in the approach you decide to pursue and can provide you with an environment that allows you to feel safe and supported. With commitment and persistence, these therapies can make a significant difference in your life. By understanding what to expect from certain psychological therapies, you can choose the best option for your situation and take steps toward living a happier, healthier life!