Social Therapy: History And Alternative Treatments
Social therapy is a non-medical treatment model often focused on individual roles within a social group. Developed in the 1970s, this model focused on a non-diagnostic approach to therapy. Those looking to understand social therapy may benefit from looking at its history and evidence-based treatment alternatives that may yield more effective results.
What is social therapy?
Philosopher and political activist Fred Newman developed social therapy in the 1970s to support clients from various backgrounds, regardless of diagnostic history. The modality intended to take a broad approach to treatment by focusing on social roles in groups.
Limitations of social therapy in treating mental health challenges with a therapist
Social therapy has been considered a “philosophical” or “cultural” treatment modality. For this reason, social therapy is not recommended for the treatment of mental illness or mental health challenges. Instead, individuals are encouraged to seek help from licensed therapists specializing in evidence-based practices for more effective treatment.
Considering evidence-based alternatives to a social therapist approach
In cases where one believes social therapy may be appropriate for treatment, it may be valuable to investigate evidence-based alternatives that have been extensively studied in academic and medical settings. These alternatives, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), offer proven approaches that can effectively address mental health challenges.
Alternatives to social therapy
Several alternatives to social therapy have been in practice for decades and shown to be effective by many peer-reviewed studies, including the following.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often considered the “gold standard” of talk therapy, as hundreds of studies have found it effective in treating mental illness and mental health challenges. The modality focuses on identifying thought patterns and beliefs that may have formed throughout life and could contribute to the severity of distressing symptoms or urges. It is based on the idea that changing thoughts and beliefs can change behavioral patterns.
CBT doesn’t only focus on cognitive restructuring, however. CBT therapists may use various practices, including roleplay, worksheets, journaling prompts, desensitization, and other behavioral activities to support clients in meeting their goals. In CBT, the client is the leader of the sessions, and the therapist acts as a professional mentor and support system that can guide them in making positive steps toward these goals.
CBT may function as a replacement for social therapy because it is evidence-based and effective. 69% of all therapists use CBT in some way in their practice, showcasing its popularity as a treatment tool. Although it might not be the most effective modality for every challenge, it is versatile and has been used since the 1950s.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed as a complement to CBT in the 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan. Dr. Linehan saw the benefit of creating a structured group approach to therapy based on her experiences throughout life as a person living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The DBT workbook focuses on skills training, often taught in a classroom-like setting with a group of clients.
The DBT Workbook by Dr. Linehan outlines four modules, including the following:
Mindfulness
Emotional control
Interpersonal effectiveness
Distress tolerance
In a DBT group, clients can learn skills from each module, taking home worksheets to complete outside of the group. During the session, the therapist teaches the skills to the group and may offer time for everyone to practice the skills together. For example, in the mindfulness unit, the clients may start by practicing labeling sensory experiences together. In the interpersonal effectiveness unit, the clients may practice setting boundaries and saying “no” to learn to use these skills in their personal lives. These exercises are structured and professional and are monitored by the therapist or therapists leading the sessions.
Group therapy
Multiple modalities can be taught in a group format, including but not limited to CBT, DBT, interpersonal therapy, and narrative therapy. These modalities can offer similar benefits to socially focused therapy, allowing clients to connect with others facing similar challenges.
According to a review of group therapy in the National Library of Medicine, group therapy is often an effective treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this modality is not limited to any condition and can also be used to cope with challenges like chronic stress, chronic pain, addiction, or substance use disorders.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a structured modality developed to focus on social challenges, interpersonal relationships, and social behaviors. In this modality, the therapist helps the client discuss current relational conflicts, behaviors that may impact their relationships, life changes, loss, and difficulties sustaining connections. The therapist can help the client develop a treatment plan to improve relationships over 12 to 16 weeks of treatment.
IPT is often recommended to treat depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders. However, anyone can work with a therapist on this modality. Although it takes a socially oriented approach to therapy, IPT differs from social therapy in that the provider acts as an expert in the treatment. IPT focuses on outside relationships and is often provided in an individual format. In addition, IPT has been shown to be effective in multiple systematic reviews.
Modern support options
Those looking to improve their relationships, cope with a mental illness, or improve behavioral challenges may benefit from seeking therapy. However, knowing where to find a therapist, what modality to pick, and how to start treatment can be challenging. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may offer convenience and flexibility.
BetterHelp does not offer social therapy. However, when signing up for online therapy, you can get matched with a provider that practices CBT, DBT, IPT, and many other evidence-based modalities. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions based on your unique client needs. Online therapy follows ethical principles outlined by the APA and ACA and works with clients to offer effective support remotely.
Research supports the effectiveness of internet-based interventions. One study examining the effectiveness of online CBT found that online therapy could be more effective than in-person therapy in symptom reduction, affordability, and increasing quality of life for clients.
Takeaway
What is the role of a social therapist?
A social therapist could refer to a therapist who practices social therapy or a therapist whose theoretical orientation is based on the study of how individuals affect and are affected by other people, social environments, and physical environments. Like most therapists, a social therapist typically aims to help their patients find relief from mental health problems, achieve personal growth, or solve practical problems. If the therapist practices social therapy, their approach will typically be non-diagnostic and focused on growth rather than problem-solving.
Visit the East Side Institute for Group and Short-Term Psychotherapy website for more information about social therapeutic approaches. Founded by social therapy creator Fred Neman in 1985, the Institute is dedicated to studying social therapeutics and performance activism. Its current director, Lois Holzman, is a psychologist and leader in the field.
Is there therapy for socializing?
Socialization therapy, often used interchangeably with social skills training, is an effective method for helping those who are challenged by social anxiety or other social difficulties. Although socialization therapy and social skills training are not precisely the same, they contain many of the same elements and seek to help individuals engage socially with others without distress. Approaches typically involve psychoeducation and opportunities to practice social skills in a low-stress environment. Participants then typically slowly engage in real-life social interaction, gradually increasing their social skill proficiency and comfort with social situations.
What is social learning therapy?
Social learning therapy typically refers to psychotherapeutic approaches that utilize social learning theory to be effective. Social learning theory was proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura in 1977. Bandura sought to link concepts of behaviorism and cognitive psychology to explain how social influences affect learned behavior. Today, social learning theory typically describes three mechanisms through which a person learns socially:
- Modeling. People are more likely to engage in similar behaviors to those around them. The more frequently a certain behavior is modeled in their presence, the more likely they will imitate it.
- Beliefs. A person’s beliefs must align with the behavior they are learning, or they must be able to rationalize the conflict between their behavior and their beliefs. For example, someone who believes that crime is generally wrong might engage in criminal activity if they can personally justify their actions, such as committing a theft to ensure their survival.
- Differential reinforcement. The learned behavior must be frequently reinforced and infrequently punished. Reinforcement can come from others through praise or material gestures or from the behavior itself, such as successfully committing a crime that nets a person a substantial sum of money.
Social learning therapy leverages those mechanisms to help children, teens, and adults learn beneficial behaviors or extinguish undesired ones. For example, a therapist could use social learning therapy to help a couple improve their relationship by modeling good communication skills, teaching the couple about the importance of communication, and praising the couple when they demonstrate good communication.
What is social support therapy?
Social support therapy typically refers to psychotherapeutic approaches that leverage the psychological benefits of socialization and social support. Humans are social animals, and evidence suggests that positive social interactions substantially boost well-being and help protect against some mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. A therapist might encourage a person to seek out positive social interactions, or they might engage in short-term group therapy to help their patient access their support network with others present.
What is social-emotional therapy?
Social-emotional therapy typically refers to psychoeducational approaches that help a person develop emotional intelligence. It is commonly used within schools to help children develop the self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social skills they need to engage with their peers healthily. It can also help boost their development and learning by introducing skills related to self-advocacy and self-efficacy. Social-emotional therapy can also be used with adults. It is often helpful for neurodivergent individuals who may not intuitively understand the nuance and complexity of social interaction.
What type of therapy is best for social anxiety?
The current best practice standards for the treatment of social anxiety suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective approach. CBT for social anxiety typically involves educating the patient about social anxiety, developing coping and social skills, and gradually exposing them to uncomfortable social situations. As their skills improve, patients typically become more comfortable socializing and experience a substantial reduction in anxiety when considering the prospect of future social interactions. However, while CBT is typically preferred, there is room for improvement. Novel approaches, such as social therapeutics-based methods studied at the East Side Institute for Group and Short-Term Therapy, might substantially strengthen social anxiety treatments in the future.
What is social counseling?
Social counseling is a form of counseling provided by mental health professionals to address the immediate needs of someone facing social or personal challenges, such as bullying or social exclusion. It often involves activities like individual and small-group counseling and crisis response interventions.
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