THERAPY MODALITIES; ONE DOES NOT FIT ALL
by: Alexandra De Waal PsyD
For the most part, we all know what therapy is, but some may wonder: what does it really consist of and how can it really help? These are common questions we ask ourselves as we embark on an unknown, sometimes scary, journey. A journey where we are asked to reveal our most life-impacting experiences and identify emotions, we may not even be aware of having! It conjures vulnerability, yet at the same time, evokes bravery.
With that said, I believe it can be helpful to break down how different therapies can be useful based on the specific needs of each unique body and mind. For example, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a valuable therapeutic modality for individuals looking, or sometimes necessitating, skills to cope with heightened negative emotions. DBT is most useful for individuals who struggle with heightened emotions, oftentimes too overwhelming to feel, which negatively impacts their daily functioning. The goal of this therapy is to build adaptive coping tools as opposed to maladaptive, oftentimes destructive, coping mechanisms. DBT incorporates building skills to better regulate emotions, to tolerate distress, to become more effective interpersonally, and learn how to be mindful in the moment.
This modality is separate from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which focuses on our patterns of thinking, or cognitions, and ways in which we may negatively interpret a situation. Here, the idea is that it’s not the situation that causes distress, but our interpretation of the situation. CBT involves specific well-defined goals, a skill-based, problem solving orientation, and consistent evaluation of thoughts and beliefs. The goal is that by doing so, it will allow for behavior change, and ultimately a reduction in symptoms. Problematic symptoms may include panic, obsessive-compulsive thinking, disordered eating, or depressed mood, to name a few.
Some individuals seek therapy to find deeper meaning in ways their current life does not feel fulfilling, enabling unhappiness. Psychodynamic therapy or Insight-oriented therapy, amongst many others, may help individuals gain awareness into general sadness, unfulfilling relationships, or core family conflict. Sometimes people may not know what causes their distress or unhappiness within their lives. This is where finding various entryways are valuable. Think of this as a portal to awaken subconscious thoughts, or things not within our awareness. Entryways may include creativity, through artmaking, writing, or movement. This may also include processing recurring dreams, or free association techniques. Gaining insights into your historical and current life can open a whole new meaning to pain, suffering, and even happiness.
As a clinician, I like to incorporate these modalities based on individuals’ specific needs and goals. Some clients may benefit from multiple modalities, or their therapeutic journey may involve various techniques depending on the road they wander upon. Regardless, what is of utmost importance, is that one size does not fit all; we are each such miraculously unique human beings and therefore must be treated accordingly. I find that searching and discovering that uniqueness in each being, while building solitude and resilience collaboratively, is what makes the therapeutic ride so worthwhile.
