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Is choosing a therapeutic model the best strategy to get the help you need?
About choosing a therapeutic model.
Over time, a wide range of therapeutic models have been developed either via evidence-based research or anecdotal evidence from clinical experience. Some have become more popular than others, some remain controversial, and others are considered cutting edge. Regardless, this variety can cause confusion as to which model one should choose to get the best results. Below, I present three different therapeutic models that are in great demand today. I try to illustrate the theoretical variety behind each model but also their different and at times complementary applications.
About Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the difficulties you are presently facing and helps you learn practical ways to overcome obstacles and improve how you live your everyday life. It relies on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and actions are interconnected and can trap you in a vicious cycle. CBT can help people suffering from a number of difficulties including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, behavioural difficulties (such as anger and conflict), and problems related to alcohol misuse.
About Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches you to take control and train your attention to focus on the present moment in a non-judgmental way. This helps you clarify and accept your present moment reality and prepares you to better manage your challenges. It is an effortful practice that goes against our natural tendency to passively allow our attention to focus on what distresses us. This model can help anyone who wants to improve their mental health and wellbeing, but also people with difficulties in their studies or work and during pregnancy.
About Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy helps you understand and change behavioural patterns that are causing you difficulties and develop more adaptive patterns that are causing you difficulties and develop more adaptive behaviours. These patterns, known as “schemas” or “life traps”, originate early in life and dictate how you live your life. This therapy can be effective even when other methods have previously been unsuccessful. This therapy can help people with chronic self-destructive behaviours (such as jealousy, low self-esteem, and self-harm), relationship difficulties, personality disorders, chronic depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Choose Therapy or Therapist?
Just these three examples can give you a taste of the variety that exists in psychological therapies. However, choosing a therapeutic model is only one factor that determines the outcomes of your therapy. What’s most important is to find an experienced therapist with knowledge in various models, which can give them the flexibility to either successfully deliver a specific model or to be in a position to tailor their therapeutic approach to match your needs. This can guarantee effective and quick results for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Patapia Tzotzoli founded My Psychology Clinic where she gained her reputation working as Clinical Psychologist with clients on one to one basis in London and worldwide via online therapy. She specialises in adult mental health and couples therapy. Studied at the universities of East London, Oxford and Cambridge and trained at the Institute of Psychiatry where she worked across world-renowned NHS Trusts.
Click here to book an online session or in person with Dr Patapia Tzotzoli at My Psychology Clinic.
