Types of Therapies and What to Expect
When seeking support for mental health, emotional well-being, developmental challenges, or special needs, understanding the various types of therapies available can help you make informed decisions. Each therapeutic approach is designed to address specific needs and goals. Here, we explore some common types of therapies and provide an overview of what you can expect from each, including options tailored for families and children with special needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
What to Expect:
Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes and occur weekly.
You’ll work with your therapist to identify specific challenges and set measurable goals.
Techniques include cognitive restructuring, problem-solving, and skill-building to manage stress or anxiety.
For children with special needs, therapists may adapt techniques using visual aids or simplified exercises.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT is effective for a range of emotional regulation issues.
What to Expect:
Combines individual therapy and group skills training.
Focuses on four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Sessions emphasize learning skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
For families, DBT can include parent training to help support children with emotional regulation challenges.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach delves into unconscious processes and past experiences to uncover patterns influencing current behavior.
What to Expect:
Sessions often involve free association, where you talk about whatever comes to mind.
The therapist helps you explore unresolved conflicts and understand emotional triggers.
It’s typically a longer-term therapy, with weekly sessions over several months or years.
Family-focused sessions can explore dynamics affecting a child’s emotional well-being.
Family Therapy
Designed to improve communication and resolve conflicts within families, this therapy involves multiple family members.
What to Expect:
Sessions include all relevant family members.
Therapists focus on family dynamics and how each member contributes to issues.
Goals often include enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering healthier relationships.
For families with special needs, therapists may address unique challenges, such as caregiving stress or sibling relationships.
Play Therapy
Primarily used for children, play therapy allows them to express emotions and work through challenges using play as a medium.
What to Expect:
Sessions use toys, games, art, and storytelling to engage the child.
Therapists observe and interact with the child to understand their emotions and experiences.
Parents or caregivers may be involved in certain sessions.
Especially effective for children with autism, ADHD, or trauma, play therapy can be tailored to their developmental levels.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT helps individuals develop or regain skills needed for daily living and working, often used for those with developmental delays or physical challenges.
What to Expect:
Focus on activities like dressing, eating, or handwriting.
Therapists use exercises and tools to improve motor skills, coordination, and independence.
Sessions may be individual or in small groups.
For children with special needs, therapy may include sensory integration techniques to help them process sensory input more effectively.
Speech Therapy
This therapy supports individuals with speech, language, and communication challenges.
What to Expect:
Activities target specific speech or language issues, such as articulation or stuttering.
For children, sessions may include games to make learning engaging.
Therapists also work on social communication and understanding nonverbal cues.
Children with special needs, such as autism or Down syndrome, often benefit from customized speech therapy plans.
Art and Music Therapy
These creative therapies use artistic expression to promote emotional healing and personal growth.
What to Expect:
Sessions may involve painting, drawing, singing, or playing instruments.
Focus is on self-expression, stress reduction, and exploring emotions.
No prior artistic or musical experience is necessary.
Families and children with special needs may find these therapies especially helpful for nonverbal communication or emotional expression.
Behavioral Therapy
This therapy focuses on modifying harmful behaviors and reinforcing positive actions, often used for children with autism or ADHD.
What to Expect:
Techniques include positive reinforcement, modeling, and systematic desensitization.
Goals are specific and measurable, such as improving social skills or reducing disruptive behaviors.
Sessions may occur at home, in a clinic, or in school settings.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a common form of behavioral therapy for children with autism.
Choosing the Right Therapy
Selecting the right therapy depends on individual needs, goals, and preferences. Many people find success with a combination of therapies, such as pairing CBT with mindfulness practices or speech therapy with occupational therapy. Families and children with special needs may benefit from integrated approaches that involve multiple specialists collaborating to address various aspects of development.