Client On The Couch? What Therapy Is All About
If you have ever wondered “What do people do in therapy?”, you are not alone. Many people’s perceptions of therapy are based on what is shown in popular media ⎯ you may be picturing a client laying on a couch, while someone with a clipboard listens to their deepest fears and childhood memories. However, this stereotype provides a limited understanding of what therapy actually is, and does not represent what occurs in more current therapy practices. While some types of therapies are focused on helping clients develop insights and on revealing unprocessed emotions, many therapies that are offered today take a more active approach.
So, what is therapy?
When we refer to therapy in the context of mental health, we are referring specifically to the treatment and management of mental health. The most common type of therapy offered is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are intertwined, such that negative thoughts can influence our behaviours, which in turn, influence our emotions, and vice versa.
During CBT, a therapist will:
Help you break down overwhelming problems into smaller parts, so that you can begin addressing problems in a way that feels more manageable.
Focus on illuminating the connections between your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.
Help you identify and challenge thoughts that are unrealistic or unhelpful, and change behaviours that may perpetuate negative patterns.
Provide you with the tools and skills needed to change these negative patterns, thereby improving the way you think and feel.
Teach you to apply these new skills in day-to-day life, so that you can continue to manage difficulties even after your treatment finishes.
In other words, CBT teaches practical strategies to help improve the relationship with our thoughts and engage in healthy behaviours. CBT is the gold standard therapy for addressing depression and anxiety, and ⎯ contrary to the ‘client lying on the couch’ stereotype ⎯ is delivered in several different formats (such as in groups, using booklets, or online, usually always while sitting upright).
However, CBT may not be for everyone…
Clients must commit to treatment; the therapist is able to help and provide guidance, but there will be no progress without the client’s active participation.
Attending weekly sessions and practicing new skills in the meantime can take a lot of time and energy, especially when an individual is already struggling.
It focuses on current problems and the person's capacity to change – it does not usually address past or wider problems (i.e., in childhood, families, or society) that may be exerting an influence on mental health and wellbeing.
What does this mean?
Although CBT is the most common form of psychotherapy, therapy is not one-size-fits-all ⎯ it all depends on the individual. Remember, CBT is just one type of therapy; other types of therapy may fit an individuals’ needs better. Thus, as always, doing the research is the key to making informed decisions about your mental health and care.
For further education on the topics of mental health and wellness, consider booking one of our expert wellness education Speakers for your next company event, training, or lunch & learn. While they are not the same as therapy, our talks are designed to provide attendees with practical knowledge and tools to bolster their own mental health, as well as the wellbeing of others. Click to learn more about our wellness education talks and get started with booking your next mental health and wellness speaker here.
Written by:
Nicole Legg, MSc., WellIntel Talks CEO, Expert Speaker and PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology
Rachel Mallinson, BA., WellIntel Talks Intern