Is CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, or PCIT the right fit for you?
When seeking professional help, fancy names and acronyms may seem intimidating, but don't let that stop you from getting the therapy you need! Depending on the reason that brought you to counseling, a therapist may employ different types of therapy that is unique to your exact situation.
Below we've broken down and explained 4 different types of therapy so you know what to expect from your treatment plan.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is "a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness". CBT as a form of intensive therapy has been studied, tested, and proven to be an extremely effective method for a number of mental illnesses. CBT is based upon the fact that the patient's problems revolve around a warped sense of negative thinking, learned patterns of behavior, and a willingness to actively relearn healthier coping mechanisms. A few different strategies commonly taught through CBT include identifying and recognizing negative thoughts and harmful behaviors, practicing new skills, setting attainable goals, learning to effectively problem solve, and self-monitoring practices to hold oneself accountable and better understand underlying emotions.
What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma. The unique thing about TF-CBT is that it also helps guide parents and caregivers along the healing process to best help the patient. TF-CBT is used for children experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral problems as an effect of trauma.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that often helps those suffering from difficulty regulating emotions, self-destructive behaviors, PTSD, or personality disorders. DBT was created based upon the philosophical process of "dialectics," or opening a dialogue between opposing forces to enforce a change. DBT helps address acceptance and change, replace destructive behavioral patterns, shift cognitive thinking, work with others, learn new skills to live in the moment, and regulate emotions in a healthy manner. Mindfulness is a common practice employed by therapists using the DBT model.
What is Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)?
Parent-Child Interactive Therapy helps address behavioral problems in children. PCIT is a fun, engaging form of therapy for children ages 2 to 8 and their parents to help parents learn effective ways to stop a child’s undesirable behaviors such as disruptiveness, acting out, failure to pay attention, and frequent temper tantrums. PCIT is often administered through 2 phases. The first phase focuses on establishing a strong, bonded relationship between parent and child by learning skills. The second phase shifts the focus on how to remain confident and calm when the child is exhibiting challenging behaviors.
No matter which therapeutic technique ends up being right for you, you've already completed the hardest step: admitting you need help and actively seeking a solution. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, clinicians in our Counseling & Wellness Centers are available to help. Acenda offers different types of therapy treatments to meet your unique needs.
Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632 x9500) for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-1067402
https://www.tfcbt.org/about-tfcbt/