Relationship counseling and family therapy

Relationship counseling is for couples who want to sort out problems in their relationship. They attend sessions together and the counselor helps them to express their difficulties, listen to each other, develop an understanding of each other, and find ways of making their relationship work better. They may decide to end the relationship but, with luck, having gained more understanding of why it was not working and what lessons they can learn for the future. Family therapy works in just the same way, with the entire family attending.

Group therapy

Group therapy enables people to deal with interpersonal problems and develop self-awareness. There are generally 8 to 12 people in the group, who meet together regularly, with a therapist, and talk about their concerns.

The idea of group therapy can be intimidating, but most people find it reassuring that others may be in a similar position to themselves. In a group environment, opportunities may arise to behave differently, to be more assertive or more vulnerable. It is also helpful for people to hear other points of view about their concerns, the way they appear, how their behavior comes across and in what way it affects other people.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

Behavior therapy, also known as exposure therapy or desensitization, is often practiced by psychologists. It is used to help people overcome fears or phobias, such as feeling too scared to go into a shop, or obsessive behavior, such as washing many times a day. An opportunity is usually given to discuss the problem, and then to face your fear, gradually, so that you learn to cope. Cognitive therapy helps to identify connections between your thoughts, feelings and behavior. It is a practical treatment that focuses on specific problem-solving techniques, and enables you to develop new coping mechanisms.

Behavior and cognitive therapies are often combined, and practitioners of either may refer to their approach as cognitive behavior therapy. (See Mind's booklet, Making sense of cognitive behavior therapy). New forms of CBT have been developed and NIMH has recommended particular types for particular problems, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders. They include Mindfulness, interpersonal therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

CBT may be offered by clinical psychologists or psychiatrists.

The therapeutic community

This is a place where you can either live full time or attend regularly during the day. Usually, there is a mixture of individual and group therapy, and informal support from other members of the community.

continue: Who is Therapy For and When Therapy Isn't Appropriate