When it comes to getting treatment for mental health struggles, the options can be confusing. It can be difficult to tell real, evidence-based therapies from those created by unqualified people. These could cause more harm than good.
The first step in making sure you get reliable, proven treatments. Work with a trustworthy provider such as Creative Care. Our staff is filled with dedicated, highly trained professionals, and our programs are designed to make sure each individual gets the care they need. Whether you need residential treatment or a less intensive approach, we work with you to identify and implement a treatment plan that works for you.
This post outlines just a few of the many therapies available for mental health treatment. You may find that a combination of therapies works best for you. Our staff can guide you through understanding the benefits and drawbacks of all the different types.
Psychodynamic Therapies
When you undertake psychodynamic therapies, you examine the way your psychological processes formed, as well as how those processes may affect your day-to-day life. You learn to identify patterns that can help you discover your defensive and coping mechanisms and work to develop healthier and more effective strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a variation of talk therapy. It can help you quickly identify and work with specific mental health concerns. The goal is to become aware of how your thinking may be inaccurate or overly negative. You can then learn to see events in a more positive light and begin to deal with issues more effectively.
There’s usually a structure to cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, as well as a defined number of sessions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Sometimes abbreviated ACT, acceptance and commitment therapy is mental health treatment that helps you learn to use acceptance and mindfulness techniques. These increase awareness of being in the present moment. You also learn how to make decisions while being fully conscious of what’s happening around you and the role you play in the situation.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Abbreviated EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapy designed to help you deal with distressing or disturbing memories. The goal is to bring those memories to a resolution and reduce the distress and disturbance they cause.
During EMDR, you’re asked to attend to emotionally distressing thoughts in small increments. At the same time, you also attend to an external stimulus such as following directions for eye movements. Other stimuli such as hand tapping may also be used.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Sometimes called horse therapy, equine-assisted therapy allows you to interact with horses during therapy. This therapeutic approach grew out of riding therapy for people with conditions such as polio who needed to improve their balance and coordination.
Studies show equine-assisted therapy to help improve cognitive skills, lower stress levels, reduce PTSD symptoms, and even ease some symptoms of depression.
There are many other forms and approaches to therapy for improved mental health. Choosing the therapy or combination of therapies that’s best for you depends on many factors. It’s critically important to work with a clinician who understands your situation. One who has the expertise to help you work through your problems.
If you’d like to learn more about Creative Care and our mental health programs, please feel free to call us at 800-409-7457 or leave us a message on our contact page. Visit our media page.