How is psychotherapy different from therapy? 

How is psychotherapy different from therapy?: If you are finding yourself confused about different therapy methods, specifically psychotherapy from therapy, this article is for you. Therapy services in general are on the rise, especially post-pandemic. If you are interested in seeking a specific therapy, consult your doctor for recommendations. This article will explore the difference between psychotherapy and therapy, and the benefits each can offer towards your overall well-being. 

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What is psychotherapy?

Although the term psychotherapy is often not referred to outside of the medical field, it is the correct term to use when distinguishing mental health services from other types of therapy. The most common type of psychotherapy is talk-therapy practiced by a psychotherapist. This is when a patient and licensed mental health professional discuss treatments or therapeutic methods to recognize and change emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Psychotherapists can specialize in different areas of expertise but nonetheless work with individuals, families, or groups and work for private, community or government entities. Psychotherapists specifically focus on feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help one:

• become aware of the way they think and change thought processes through cognitive behavior therapy.
• reduce or cope with stress.
• build social and communication skills.
• raise awareness of emotions.
• create a safety plan for thoughts of self-harm.

The overall goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals identify specific issues, and help them either overcome them or find strategies to help them in a variety of situations. 

What is therapy?

Therapy is the ambiguous term that refers to any kind of mental or physical treatment for an illness or ailment. There are many different types of therapies and therapy categories. The most commonly known are cognitive, trauma, occupational, and physical. These categories can be specific and specialized in the treatment approach. To learn more about the in-depths and variations of each, consult a doctor.

• Cognitive therapy has to do with the way we think and how it affects our emotions. Aside from psychotherapy mentioned earlier, it also includes treatments from other mental health providers such as psychologists and psychiatrists. 

• Trauma therapy focuses on coping with one’s emotional response to a specific event. It is a form of cognitive therapy but differs in that it targets memories and uses simulations to reprocess those memories. 

• Occupational therapy helps those with physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT as it is most commonly referred to as, is a type of physical and mental rehabilitation. 

• Physical therapy is a non-drug method of treatment for an injury or disease through exercise, massage, or other stimuli such as heat or cold. It focuses on pain relief.

As stated earlier, therapy can be the broad term used to describe more specific and specialized forms of therapy based on a person’s medical, mental, or physical needs. 

Should I participate in psychotherapy or therapy treatments?

Whether you’re struggling with a mental health disorder like anxiety, depression, bipolar, and the list could go on, or in need of a physical treatment or pain relief, psychotherapy or therapy can be a possible solution for you. There are many types of therapies that can help heal and restore your mind and body to help you live your best life. There is never any harm seeking mental or physical health services that can improve your life. Consult your medical professional for recommendations, or use an online directory to seek a psychotherapist or therapist in your area.

How is psychotherapy different from therapy?

There are distinct differences between psychotherapy and therapy. Psychotherapy is any kind of mental health service to help one with their thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Psychotherapy is talk-therapy where the approach and methods of treatment are more about working through one’s issues versus using medications to alleviate symptoms associated with mental disorders. Therapy on the other hand can include both mental and physical services, and focuses on rehabilitation and pain relief for a plethora of ailments. Hopefully you are now able to distinguish between how psychotherapy is different from therapy.