Types Of Psychotherapy

NEARLY HALF OF ALL AMERICANS BATTLE A SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM ANNUALLY. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS ARE BOTH CHRONIC, INCURABLE CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE LIFELONG MANAGEMENT. SYMPTOMS CAN BECOME OVERWHELMING, FRUSTRATING, AND EVEN DISABLING. MEDICATION COMBINED WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY CAN MAKE IT EASIER TO CONTROL SYMPTOMS AND RECOVER FROM MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS.

About half of all people struggling with a substance abuse disorder have a co-occurring mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety. Also, symptoms from mental health conditions can cause you to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with mental health treatment and medications and ultimately make mental health symptoms more difficult to deal with without a cognitive therapy program, like the one we offer at Pearl of The Sea Retreat.

WHAT ARE CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS?

Since nearly half of those struggling with substance abuse disorders also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, it is important that you treat both at the same time.

Some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders include:

• Depression and major depressive disorder
• Anxiety related disorders, like a panic attack and obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Mood disorders, like bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders, like a borderline personality disorder
• Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia

Worsening mental health symptoms increase your chances of self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol release excessive amounts of neurotransmitters, which are also impacted by mental health disorders.

For example, depression is linked to depleted serotonin levels. Also, certain drugs impact serotonin receptors, causing your brain to release excessive amounts. When the effects of drugs and alcohol wear off, your brain is even more deprived of neurotransmitters, which significantly worsens mental health symptoms.

A combination of medications and types of psychotherapy help you control symptoms and manage your condition.

TYPES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

Various types of psychotherapy are highly effective in treating both mental health and substance abuse disorders. Psychotherapy is talk-based therapy that aims to help improve your decision making, emotional regulation and communication skills.

Another goal of psychotherapy is to improve your understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This improved insight can help you better manage and recognize your symptoms.

Some types of psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectic behavioral therapy
• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

Techniques like humanistic therapy seek to help you make rational decisions and further develop your potential. Behavioral focused approaches provide you with the ability to learn how to better control and change your actions. Eliminating negative behaviors is key to recovery.

During treatment, accepting that you can control certain thoughts, feelings and behaviors is an important step towards regaining control of your life. Other types of psychotherapy, like psychoanalysis, help you gain a more in-depth understanding of the root of your emotions. These techniques improve your overall wellbeing by helping you identify triggers and cope with symptoms.

HOW PEARL OF THE SEA RETREAT CAN HELP

Various types of psychotherapy are extremely beneficial when you are recovering from a mental health or substance abuse problem. Pearl of the Sea Retreat, which is home to the best cognitive therapy program in St. Augustine, FL., is here to help you reach your recovery goals. Call us today at 866-962-1907 to learn about your treatment options and our healing programs.