There are many a different approaches of psychotherapy. Some therapies have been used since many years and some are newly introduced such as coherence therapy. Most are proof-based and established in research; others are established in theory only or depend on subjective evidences. There’re some types of therapies that have been commonly recognized, others are advanced, and some are controversial.

The psychological therapy or psychotherapy is the name given to the set of techniques used by clinical psychologist, in order to improve the quality of life of patients. Through psychotherapy it is possible to modify behavior to avoid those behaviors and thoughts that cause us discomfort.

When we go to psychological therapy, what we do is professionally treat those problems that affect our mental health.

Check out the guide to different types of therapies:

Systemic Therapy

Systemic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that we apply for the treatment of mental illnesses, stress management and disorders that develop in the interactions, relational styles and communication patterns of a social group understood as a system.

Likewise, very good results are obtained in the treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or obesity; the drug addiction (heroin, cocaine, alcohol and snuff) and dysfunctional behaviors in children. In cases of depression, systemic therapy can also be effective, although its combination with behavioral therapy techniques provides better results, hence the fundamental therapeutic methodology based on integrative psychotherapy, which combines both in a balanced way.

Although the systemic psychotherapeutic approach has its origins in family therapy, its application is extensive to also treat and solve relationship problems, problems in work teams, difficulties between friends and neighbors and, any problem related to the way in which the that we interact with the other members of a group.

In this way, systemic concepts, as well as their therapeutic methods and techniques, can also be applied to the couple, to work teams, to school contexts and also to individual people. The focus of this therapeutic methodology is in the dynamics of communicational processes, in the interactions between the members of the system and, between the different subsystems that can compose it. In the individual application of this therapy, the focus is placed mainly on generating change in the communication and interaction processes, maintaining the basic systemic idea of   seeing the person within their environment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a model of psychotherapy in which cognitive restructuring, the promotion of a collaborative therapeutic alliance, and associated behavioral and emotional methods through a structured setting are of great importance. His working hypothesis is based, fundamentally, on the fact that thought patterns, called cognitive distortions, have adverse effects on emotions and behavior and that, therefore, their restructuring, through psycho-educational interventions and continuous practice, can improve the patient's condition.

The first time the patient meets with their psychotherapist, they will talk about any problems they are having, how they are feeling, and their goals for treatment. After several sessions, it is decided how often they will be carried out, the patient being able to meet with his psychotherapist every week, or only once a month. The objectives are agreed between the psychologist and the patient and a structured intervention plan is formulated, adapted to the needs and particular characteristics that have been evaluated.

While the patient is receiving this type of psychotherapy, he will learn new ways of thinking about situations that bother him. You will also learn new ways to cope with your feelings. Cognitive psychotherapy can also help you with feelings of anger, anxiety, shyness, or panic.

The Cognitive-Behavioral theory supposes that, the control of the reactions of our emotionality and behavior can remain continuously under our control or, what is the same, we are the creators of our mental health or illness, of our happiness or our misery. All of the above is especially true for overt psychogenic disturbances. The distortions of the patient are called in this type of psychotherapy, as a cognitive triad.

Also, cognitive therapy is frequently used in conjunction with emotion stabilizing medication to treat bipolar disorder.

Psychoanalytic Therapy

The Psychoanalytic can be defined as a method and psychotherapeutic treatment technique based on scanning the unconscious through free association. Unlike, for example, behavioral therapies, based on training, exercise or learning, or explanations at the cognitive level, psychoanalysis is a discovery or disclosure technique, where the patient seeks to achieve a deep understanding of the unconscious circumstances that have given rise to their traumas and affections, and are the cause of their mental ailments and suffering.

The Psychoanalytic therapy does not seek an explanation and understanding rational causal relationships, but what the aim is to achieve a restructuring of broad - spectrum personality, with deepening emotional life and particularly in those areas that contribute and maintain training of symptoms , or forms defensive causing discomfort and damage to the person.