Advanced Therapy Techniques And What They're Used For

You may have heard of common therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, there are hundreds of therapeutic modalities, and exploring other options may sometimes be advantageous. Advanced therapy techniques can sometimes help therapists treat complex mental disorders. 

Some therapists specialize in providing advanced approaches, and individuals may be able to search for therapists specifically based on preferred techniques or disorders treated. Below, explore a few advanced therapy techniques and how seeking therapy through these methods may be helpful for treating mental illness and other mental health challenges.  

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What are advanced therapy techniques, and how can you find a therapist who practices them?

While no official category of advanced therapy techniques exists, some techniques may be used less often or only for specific cases. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common types of mental health therapy, but the following advanced techniques can also be used if applicable to the client’s case. 

Cognitive processing therapy: Finding a therapist for trauma

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a modality that the American Psychological Association (APA) strongly recommends for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The process typically begins with psychoeducation to teach the client about PTSD and automatic thoughts that often arise. The therapist may ask the individual to write an impact statement that explains why a traumatic event happened and how it has affected their beliefs. 

Next, the individual may be asked to write about the worst part of their traumatic experience and read it during the next session. The therapist may use Socratic questioning to challenge inaccurate beliefs the person may have developed about the event. The goal is typically to help the person begin to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs outside of therapy. Cognitive processing therapy can take place in individual or group therapy. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): How to find a therapist for trauma-related mental health conditions 

EMDR is another approach used for post-traumatic stress disorder. Many mental health providers believe that negative emotions can stem from traumatic memories that weren’t appropriately processed. During EMDR therapy, mental health professionals typically ask clients to follow an object with their eyes, which usually stimulates bilateral activity in the brain. Alternatively, some therapists may use a tapping sound or another tone to create bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation may also be achieved by holding harmless hand buzzers in both hands that alternate tones or by passing a ball back and forth between hands. The clients are typically asked to recall a traumatic event during this exercise. 

According to the American Psychological Association, EMDR therapy may change the way that traumatic memories are stored in the brain. This process may reduce PTSD symptoms over the course of six to 12 sessions, but some people may benefit from fewer sessions. 

Somatic experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE™) was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. One of the core tenets of SE is that trauma accumulates in the nervous system. Trauma can get a person stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode. SE may help a client release stored energy and regulate their nervous system. 

Dialectical behavioral therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT developed by Marsha Linehan because traditional CBT wasn’t always sufficient to help people with a tendency to engage in self-harm. Some symptoms common in borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other severe mental illnesses responded better to DBT than CBT. According to Harvard Medical School, DBT can be the most effective treatment for borderline personality disorder. 

DBT typically has a strong component of mindfulness. People living with borderline personality disorder tend to experience intense emotions and then negative thoughts about those emotions. A good therapist who practices DBT may help people who experience intense emotions to observe thoughts that arise without identifying with them. The dialectical part of DBT refers to the acceptance of two seemingly opposite realities at once. People can accept that they have difficulty controlling their emotions while recognizing that they’re doing their best in the present moment.

Internal family systems therapy (IFS)

Internal family systems (IFS) therapy was developed to support people with severe developmental trauma, specifically in early childhood. However, anyone can use this modality to learn more about themselves. In IFS, the therapist helps the client know about the different parts of their personality using parts theory to assume people have various versions of themselves that can be more pronounced in those with developmental trauma. IFS is considered helpful for people with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and dissociative disorders. 

Finding a therapist through online mental health care

Some people may be interested in advanced therapy techniques but live in an area with few licensed therapists. This lack of availability may make finding a provider with extensive training in the above techniques difficult. Finding someone with a specific specialization may be easier with online therapy platforms. For example, online platforms like BetterHelp allow access to more than 30,000 licensed therapists with a wide variety of specializations. Once matched, clients can communicate with a therapist in a way that’s comfortable for them, including by phone, videoconferencing, and live chat. 

Over the last 15 years, many researchers have investigated the effectiveness of online therapy. One study found that online CBT was effective for anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder, among other mental illnesses. With online therapy, you can speak with a licensed mental health counselor or licensed clinical social worker with experience in your areas of concern. By searching on an online platform, you may be able to find the right therapist with a specific certification or area of experience.

Takeaway

Therapists sometimes use a variety of advanced therapy techniques, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. If you’re interested in advanced therapy techniques for a mental health condition, you might consider speaking with a licensed therapist, either in person or online.