For any therapy to work successfully it is important we match the issue to the therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Can help with:
Anxiety; Mild or moderate depression; eating disorders; shyness and lack of confidence; OCD; Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD); Assertiveness/bullying; Relationships problems.
Counselling
Can help with:
Depression; bereavement and loss; adjustment to life changes; Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD); Assertiveness/bullying; Relationship problems; Recovery from abuse.
Psychotherapy
Can help with:
Major depression; Bereavement loss; Adjustment to life changes; Serious eating disorders; Bipolar disorder; Personality disorders; Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD); Assertiveness/bullying; Problems in/with relationships; Psychosexual problems; Psychosomatic pain/illness; Self insight/understanding; Recovery from abuse.
Obviously, the list isn't exhaustive. You will see from the above list that different therapies can sometimes be used to treat the same conditions. A medical doctor should be able to advise on the most appropriate therapy.
For example, counselling is used to treat a problem that may be solved quickly, whereas psychotherapy may be more helpful if a patient's problems are more deep routed. Also, a particular problem may have a higher success rate through a particular therapy, over another therapy. It's working out what works best for you.
It is also important to make sure you like your therapist and that you relate well. You will have more chance of success that way.
Thank you.
Lots of good information as always.
Thanks Randy.
Yes it is very important that we develop a suitable relationship with the therapist and be able to trust him or her, so we can be very open and honest during the sessions.
I had one therapist that was very good and we hit it off greatly. He no longer practices but is the head of the department. He helped tremendously.
Then there are the one's that are of no help at all. Been to one of them for marriage counseling and he agreed with my spouse that he should be able to smoke pot when he wanted. Needless to say we didn't return to him!
You're absolutely right, we should be able to put our trust in those who are there to help us.
As with all professions, counselling is no different. There are good practitioners and not so good ones. I've had my fair share of both!