Psychotherapy vs. Therapy: Is there a difference?
- Jessica Miller
- Aug 31, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 19, 2024
Understanding the Nuances
The terms "psychotherapy" and "therapy" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. While they both involve professional help for mental health concerns, there are subtle distinctions that can impact your understanding of the services available. The best example I can give is that when someone asks me what I do for a living and I say "I'm a therapist" they will always ask me what kind. Below breaks down the basic differences.
Therapy: A Broad Term
Therapy is a general term encompassing a wide range of treatments designed to address health issues. It can include:
Psychotherapy: A specific type of therapy that involves talking to a mental health professional.
Medication: Prescribed drugs to manage symptoms.
Alternative therapies: Complementary approaches like meditation, yoga, or acupuncture.
Other fields: There are also completely different fields, like physical therapy or speech therapy
In essence, therapy is an umbrella term that encompasses various methods to promote mental well-being.
Psychotherapy: A Focused Approach
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is a specific type of therapy that involves verbal communication between a therapist and a client. It's designed to help individuals:
Understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Develop coping skills.
Address underlying psychological issues.
Creating goals for one's future.
Psychotherapy can be conducted in individual, couples, group, or family settings.
Key Differences Between Psychotherapy vs. Therapy
Feature | Psychotherapy | Therapy |
Focus | Primarily verbal communication | Can include medication, alternative therapies, or a combination |
Approach | Focused on exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors | Can be broader, addressing various mental health concerns |
Setting | Typically in a private setting | Can be in a group setting, hospital, or other locations |
Types of Psychotherapy
There are SO many types of psychotherapy, each with a different approach and technique.
Theories of psychotherapy: This is like a recipe a therapy might use to help guide you. Most therapist combine aspects of a lot of different theories.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It's strucutred and often involves doing homework. You may be less to talk about random things and more likely to follow a defined path to reaching a goal.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences that may be influencing current issues. A lot of people associate this type of therapy with Freud and "mommy/daddy issues", but really it's how our environment and caregivers impacted us when we were little and how that still impacts us later in life.
Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and acceptance.
There are MANY theories. HERE is a blog helping you understand them and if they are important to find in a therapist.
Types of psychotherapy: This is the different configurations therapy comes in
Individual Therapy: One on one sessions with a therapist.
Family Therapy: Involves family members in therapy to address dynamics in the family that aren't working. Sometimes it starts as one child may be disrupting the family, but then it digs deeper into what is going with the family that is creating the child's disruptive behavior.
Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment for individuals to share experiences and learn from others. Usually, group therapy is based on a theme: dating, grief, cheating, substance use, confidence building, communication skills, anger, etc. They can be educational where you learn information about a particular topic or they can be a process group where members talk about how a topic impacts them (this is more free flowing).
Choosing the Right Therapy
Selecting the appropriate therapy depends on various factors, including:
Individual needs: The specific mental health concerns you're facing.
Therapist's expertise: The therapist's training and experience in different therapeutic approaches.
Personal preferences: Your comfort level with different types of therapy.
It's often helpful to consult with a mental health professional to discuss your options and determine the best course of action.
The Benefits of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can offer numerous benefits, such as:
Improved mental health: Reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Enhanced coping skills: Development of strategies to manage stress and challenges.
Increased self-awareness: Better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Improved relationships: Stronger connections with others.
Personal growth: Development of a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Seeking Professional Help
If you're struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool in your journey toward healing and well-being.
Takeaway:
The one thing to know about psychotherapy vs. therapy. Psychotherapy means therapy; therapy doesn't always mean psychotherapy!
About the author: Jessica Miller is a licensed therapist in the state of California. Her background is in domestic violence, self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, and somatic experiencing. She believes that life is messy and sometimes we need someone to understand that we don't know wtf we're doing.
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