Therapeutic Techniques: How They Can Help You Recover From Past Traumatic Experiences
As the field of psychology evolves and becomes more dynamic, new therapeutic techniques are developed to better support individuals who seek therapy. Most therapists study several different techniques, but they often choose to focus on a particular method when working with clients.
A few of these techniques can include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, client centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, existential therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. You may enhance therapy’s efficacy by trying yoga or meditation, practicing self-care, and engaging in regular exercise. To try therapy for yourself, you may seek out a local mental health professional or connect with one through an online therapy platform.
Therapeutic techniques
There are hundreds of therapeutic communication techniques and modalities care providers can use to offer quality care and mental and emotional support to clients. Consider the following modalities when looking for therapy services.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that usually focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Specifically, CBT usually suggests that thoughts can create emotions, and then those emotions can drive behavior. This type of therapy often works by identifying and correcting the negative thoughts that influence certain emotions, so they do not trigger undesirable or harmful behaviors toward the self or others. For example, a CBT therapist might help an individual with social anxiety develop communication skills like eye contact, active listening, and therapeutic communication.
Dialectical behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, can be similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, but it normally focuses on the way that emotions can be connected to thoughts and behavior rather than the way thoughts can influence emotions. This type of therapy can also incorporate the concepts of acceptance and mindfulness to help clients let go of things they cannot control, accept things that are unpleasant or upsetting, and learn how to live peacefully with themselves and their environment. DBT teaches several communication techniques that can be used in a client’s daily life and is formed on the basis of a strong therapeutic relationship between the client and provider.
Client-centered therapy
Client-centered therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, is a form of humanistic therapy that typically rejects the notion of the therapist being in control of the session. This perspective can allow the client to take the reins during therapy sessions. The therapist may act as a guide, helping the client understand their inner struggles and feelings. In this form of therapy, the therapist usually takes a non-directive approach and allows the client to explore themselves freely without interruption. Client-centered therapy often values acceptance and empathy, encouraging the client to freely express their thoughts, emotions, and desires without challenge or redirection from the therapist.
Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy is another form of humanistic therapy in which the therapist usually expresses unconditional acceptance and empathy while keeping the client focused on the present. The goals of this type of therapy are generally self-awareness and acceptance of the client's reality. Like client-centered therapy, the therapist may act as a guide, not a leader. The client can grow in their own way, on their own time, without interruption or influence from the therapist.
Existential therapy
Existential therapy typically focuses on philosophical and existential themes rather than technique or evidence-based practices, like the previously mentioned therapies. With this type of therapy, the client and the therapist may focus on the internal and spiritual challenges that the client faces to achieve existential, emotional, and psychological understanding. The goal of existential therapy is generally insight, not resolution. With insight, a client can gain an understanding of themselves and how they fit into the world.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new form of therapy that is specifically designed to help people who have post-traumatic stress disorder and related issues. EMDR can help the client cope with trauma and abuse by lessening the intensity of their traumatic memories and the distressing symptoms that they can cause. EMDR therapists often use exercises like having the client follow the trail of a pointer with their eyes to distract the brain from becoming too overwhelmed.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
More solutions
While you're working with a therapist to improve your well-being and mental health, there may be a few things you can do on your own to care for yourself between sessions. Some of these tools can enhance the positive effects of therapy.
Try yoga: The calming effects of yoga can ease any anxiety you may feel. When you go into therapy with a clear head and a calm mind, you may be much more successful.
Focus on yourself: Self-care can be of the utmost importance when you're participating in therapy. It can help to make sure your batteries are fully charged before each session with your therapist. The best way to do that is often to set aside time for yourself each day. You can use this time to take a bubble bath, read a good book, or engage in other activities that fulfill you. What you do doesn't necessarily matter as long as you focus only on yourself.
Talk a walk: Exercise may not only be good for boosting metabolism; it can also have great mental health benefits. Getting thirty minutes of physical activity a day can keep your body and mind healthy. Walking has been shown to release endorphins to the brain, which can combat stress and anxiety as well.
Seeking help
Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable and equipped to help you can be challenging. The logistics of making several phone calls, visiting offices, and figuring out insurance premiums can be a barrier to receiving care. However, this may not be the only way to get the support you deserve. Online therapy can be another method of connecting with a licensed mental health professional who can help you address any challenges you’re experiencing.
Online therapy options have been found to be just as effective as in-person therapy. Specifically, one of the therapy options mentioned in this article, cognitive behavioral therapy, is one that can be frequently utilized in online therapy. One study explored 373 studies spanning the last couple of decades regarding the effectiveness of internet-based CBT (ICBT) for a large variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, mood disorders, and even physical ailments such as heart disease.
The findings were conclusive that online therapy could be as effective as conventional therapy, and it could also remove many of the barriers in place with in-person therapy, such as cost, the ability to get to appointments, therapist availability, and stigma. If you still struggle to afford online therapy, despite its lower cost, you may be eligible for financial aid. Contact the platform you’re interested in working with to learn more.
Takeaway
What is a therapeutic technique?
Therapeutic techniques are methods used by therapists to treat mental health conditions.
Which is therapeutic communication?
Therapeutic communication is the verbal and non-verbal exchange between patient and healthcare provider. All types of healthcare professionals use therapeutic communication techniques that are typically tailored according to the patient and context. For example, a psychiatrist using therapeutic communication to help a patient with psychosis-induced aggression would use de-escalating vocabulary but also calm, open body language and a soothing tone of voice. Healthcare providers must understand how to effectively communicate with individuals experiencing psychological distress of varying degrees—from delusions and hallucinations to mild to moderate psychological distress.
What is the most common therapeutic approach?
There is perhaps no way to know for sure what the most common approach is; however, psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is likely the most popular and commonly used method. In many cases, psychotherapies are paired with medication as an effective way to treat mental health conditions.
What is an example of a therapeutic use?
Therapeutic use refers to how healthcare professionals use their tools (i.e., a treatment or medication) to help their patients. For example, a therapeutic use for drugs might be to reduce symptoms of psychological distress. A non-therapeutic use may be to take the medication to achieve a state of intoxication.
What are the purposes of therapeutic communication?
Through this type of communication, healthcare professionals can cultivate closeness and friendliness with the patient, providing encouragement and using the established trust to help them feel comfortable, cared for, and understood. There are a wide variety of therapeutic communication techniques. Here are some examples applied to nursing but can be used by other professionals, including psychotherapists:
- Silence: Deliberate silences can allow all parties to reflect on the conversation and what might come next, giving the patients the time and space they might need to bring up a new topic.
- Giving broad openings: Asking open-ended, general questions can allow the patient to steer the conversation toward something they'd like to discuss. For example, the healthcare professional might ask, "What would you like to talk about?" or "What's on your mind?"
- Active listening: Focusing entirely on the patient, active listening involves showing attention through body language, eye contact, and verbal cues like summarizing and nodding. The aim is to show the patient they are heard, understood, and validated.
- Making observations: Healthcare professionals often note a patient's demeanor, appearance, and behaviors to assess areas needing more attention. For example, if a patient seems disheveled or tired, the clinician might ask how they're sleeping or caring for themselves.
- Focusing: When a patient says something important during the conversation, the clinician should focus on that statement and encourage them to elaborate. Patients may sometimes mention things they don't think are important, and it's the clinician's job to catch and explore those comments.
- Seeking clarification: Seeking clarification is another part of active listening. If the patient says something ambiguous or confusing, the provider respectfully lets them know they don't understand and need clarification.
- Placing the event in time or sequence: Asking the patient about the timeline of occurrences can help the clinician (and the patient) get a clearer idea of the bigger picture and put things in a more comprehensive context.
- Encouraging descriptions of perception: Patients with hallucinations or sensory delusions might need an encouraging, nonjudgmental prompt to explain their experiences. For example, the clinician might ask, "What does that feel/look/sound like to you?"
- Encouraging comparisons: Drawing comparisons helps patients better understand their situation or feelings and provides clinicians with perspective. For example, the healthcare professional might ask the patient, "Have you ever felt like this, or has something similar ever happened?"
- Summarizing: It can be helpful for the clinician to summarize what the patient has said back to them. This shows the patient that their healthcare provider listens and allows the clinician to document the interaction. The clinician should verify they understand after summing up the patient's thoughts and concerns by asking, "Does that sound right?" or "Do I understand you correctly?"
- Reflecting: Patients sometimes seek advice from a counselor or provider about specific problems or circumstances. Therapists typically refrain from giving outright advice, but they may reflect the questions by asking the patient what they think they should do instead. This encourages them to take accountability for their actions and empowers them to find their own solutions.
- Acceptance: There are cases in which the clinician might not agree with the patient's viewpoint, but they must still let them know they understand. In acceptance, the professional might acknowledge and affirm they understand the patient's input in an impartial, neutral way.
- Recognition: Recognizing a patient's achievements can sometimes be more effective in reinforcing positive behaviors than overt compliments that might be misinterpreted as condescending. Recognition works well in situations where the task is "simple," like leaving the house or doing the dishes.
- Offering self: Showing availability and willingness to listen or help conveys support. For example, simply letting the patient know, "I'm here if you'd like to talk." In cases of in-patient treatment, offering time and attention to do things like stay and chat or watch a TV show can go a long way towards making the patient feel more comfortable.
What is the therapeutic communication technique of focusing?
Focusing is a type of communication that helps nurses provide specialized care, although it can be used by other healthcare providers, too. It is simply paying attention to what the patient says during conversation and identifying things they might mention that could be of significant importance. The professional will encourage the patient to expand on their statement to gather information and provide an objective perspective.
How do you improve therapeutic communication?
Studying and developing strong therapeutic communication skills is often taught in nursing, but it also applies to other areas of healthcare. Here are some tips for healthcare providers to cultivate stronger therapeutic communication:
- Approach the conversation with a goal in mind
- Stay aware of one's own body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues
- Observe and assess the patient's nonverbal behaviors
- Practice active listening
- Approach the conversation with empathy, respect, and warmth
- Remain sensitive to the patient's attitudes, values, and cultural beliefs
- Remain attentive to any themes that might present during the conversation (for example, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, anger, loneliness, etc.)
- Set boundaries with the patient by avoiding to tell the truth of personal information
What are the new therapeutic techniques?
Therapeutic techniques in the mental health field are continuously evolving as science uncovers new information about mental health conditions and treatments. The changing needs of the population also influence trends in therapy. For example, more and more mental health professionals are seeking continuing education in cultural competence, diversity, and privilege to ensure better care through respecting clients' experiences and backgrounds.
Issues of gender and sexual identity are a growing focus in mental healthcare, too. For example, psychotherapists are becoming more trained and informed in areas like nonbinary gender therapy. How to best support young people during gender transitions or guide them through periods of questioning are also important skills for therapists to learn.
Mindfulness and meditation techniques have been utilized in therapeutic settings for decades, but they are becoming more mainstream in psychotherapeutic practice. Approaches informed by neuroscience are also becoming more widely used to understand how the brain processes trauma. Repatterning and memory reconsolidation are two examples.
What is an example of a therapeutic approach?
Psychotherapy is one example of a wide variety of therapeutic approaches. It focuses on using verbal and nonverbal communication to identify areas of emotional, mental, and behavioral concern. It also uncovers underlying issues contributing to harmful thoughts and behaviors. In psychotherapy, counselors help their clients reframe negative, unrealistic thought patterns to overcome barriers to mental well-being.
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