Looking to understand what are the most used types of therapy by psychologists today? Welcome. You’re in the right place! In this article, we aim to bring clarity to your search by presenting the 7 most utilized therapeutic methods in current times. Each approach has its own particularities and applications, whose understanding is essential for those who wish to assist people in their journeys of self-discovery and psychological treatment.

But what are these methods? Let’s explore therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalysis, Analytical Psychology, Hypnotherapy, and others. We will also discuss the role of Clinical Hypnosis in this context. We have a special focus on it, as we believe in its potential to enhance any health treatment when associated with evidence-based practices.

For us, hypnosis is more than a technique; it is a powerful tool to aid in the treatment of various psychological and emotional issues. And, although it is our focus at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, we understand that there is a rich diversity of therapeutic approaches that can and should be used together for effective and humanized intervention.

Shall we embark on this interesting journey of discovery together? Ready to learn more deeply about these different therapeutic approaches and how they can contribute to emotional health? Then follow along with us!

Understanding Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and its application

As we know, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is one of the most used types of therapy by psychologists. The reason behind this is simple: its effectiveness and practical approach make it an attractive option for many professionals and patients.

Unlike other psychodynamic therapies that focus on resolving unconscious conflicts, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is more concerned with modifying unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Professionals who use this approach believe that the way we think directly affects how we feel and act.

In CBT, the therapist and patient work together to identify and change problematic thought and behavior patterns. Specific techniques and strategies are used, such as thought worksheets, sleep diaries, and homework so that the person can apply what they have learned in the office to real life.

Not to forget that CBT has been effective in treating a wide range of issues from depression and anxiety to sleep problems and chronic pain. For this reason, it has become an integral part of many mental health programs.

Get to know Psychoanalysis: One of the most used therapies by psychologists

When we talk about most used types of therapy by psychologists, Psychoanalysis certainly holds its place. Developed by Sigmund Freud in the 19th century, this form of therapy focuses on bringing awareness to thoughts and feelings that have been repressed in the unconscious mind.

Psychoanalysis explores hidden desires, dreams, and conflicts that shape our behavior. As a hypnotherapist, the tools and techniques used by psychoanalysts serve as a foundation for the practice of hypnosis.

A psychoanalyst’s experience includes dream interpretation, analysis of transference, and exploration of our hidden self. In this approach, the specialist acts as a guide, exploring areas of the subconscious that are often difficult to access alone.

It is important to know that Psychoanalysis is a process, often long, and requires active engagement from the patient. But when successful, it can help unravel the complexities of human behavior.

By bringing repressed thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to the surface, psychoanalytic therapy not only addresses mental health issues but also provides greater self-awareness, allowing for lifelong changes.

Just like opting for clinical hypnosis, choosing Psychoanalysis as a form of therapy is a significant step in understanding the patient’s inner self and emotional needs. It is a powerful complementary method to improve mental and emotional health.

Exploring Carl Jung’s Analytical Psychology

Under the guidance of Carl Jung, analytical psychology emerges as one of the most used types of therapy by psychologists today. This therapy model stands out for focusing on the individual’s personal development and self-discovery.

Jung believed that understanding the unconscious was key to achieving psychological balance. He introduced concepts such as archetypes, collective unconscious, individuation, and synchronicity, emphasizing the importance of dreams and fantasy as means of connecting with our deeper selves.

In practice, analytical psychology uses various tools, including dreams, mythology, art, and religion. This allows the client to connect with forgotten or repressed parts of themselves.

Professionals trained by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) often incorporate Jungian elements into their therapeutic approaches. This is because we believe that exploring the unconscious can be a path to self-knowledge and healing.

However, even though analytical psychology is one of the most used types, it is important to remember that there is no single perfect approach. Thinking this way would be reductive, as each individual has their own particularities and unique experiences.

The role of Hypnotherapy in mental health

Increasingly recognized today, hypnotherapy stands out as one of the most effective tools in treating various mental health issues. Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to facilitate desired change. In many cases, it is one of the most used types of therapy by psychologists.

Contrary to what many imagine, during hypnotherapy, the patient does not lose consciousness or control of their actions or thoughts. Instead, they reach a state of focused concentration, allowing them to delve into the problems causing distress and stress.

Studies have shown that hypnotherapy can help in treating conditions such as panic syndrome, anxiety, depression, and phobias. Its application does not stop there: it can also be useful in improving self-esteem, controlling physical symptoms such as pain and migraines, and even aiding in weight loss.

One of the benefits of hypnotherapy is the rapid perception of positive changes. Many patients report feeling renewed in the first sessions. Perhaps this is why hypnotherapy is increasingly sought after and implemented in mental health care.

It is essential to remember, however, that to perform hypnotherapy, it is necessary to have recognized training and certification to ensure it is practiced safely and efficiently, just like the other most used types of therapy by psychologists.

What is Psychodrama and when to apply it

Have you ever looked at the plays of Shakespeare or Brecht and imagined how theatricality and catharsis could be useful in the therapeutic field? This is the premise of Psychodrama, one of the most used types of therapy by psychologists.

Created by psychiatrist Jacob Levy Moreno in the first half of the 20th century, Psychodrama uses dramatic techniques to provide a greater understanding of a person’s internal conflicts and stimulate change.

In practice, this means that patients are encouraged to assume various roles, allowing the exploration of feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. By acting and seeing others act, patients can gain a new perspective on their own experience and, consequently, make positive changes in their lives.

Now, when should you consider using Psychodrama in your practice? First, it is important to affirm that proper training is essential. But, in general, it can be particularly effective when patients have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally, when there is a stalemate in common verbal therapy, or when the client is willing to experience a more active and experiential methodology.

So, if you are looking for an approach that allows your patients to express their emotions in an innovative and engaging way, Psychodrama might be the key.

Mindfulness: Understand this therapeutic approach

When we dive into the universe of therapeutic techniques, we find Mindfulness, a method that has been gaining more and more space among the most used types of therapy by psychologists.

Originating from Buddhism, this technique consists of focusing attention on the present, becoming aware of feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations. The key is to observe everything without judging or reacting, just accepting what is happening at the moment it occurs.

As a therapist, when using this approach, your role is to help your clients understand and accept their experiences. With regularity and practice, they can lead to a state of greater calm and less stress.

So, how can I use Mindfulness in my clinical practice?

There are several ways. Mindfulness exercises help patients become more aware of their mental processes, increasing the ability to manage negative thoughts and emotions. To start, you can encourage patients to try simple activities, such as focusing on their breath, paying attention to the flavors and textures of food, or noticing details while walking.

But remember: mindfulness skills take time to develop. The important thing is that your patients perform these exercises regularly and gradually notice the benefits along the way.

Mindfulness is one of several therapeutic modalities and certainly a powerful technique to help your patients gain a greater understanding and control of their emotions. Investing in learning and applying this technique can only add to your professional practice.

Phenomenological-Existential therapy explained

Phenomenological-Existential therapy is an approach that seeks to understand the personal and subjective experience of the individual. Developed from the ideas of philosophers like Heidegger, Sartre, and Husserl, its clinical application focuses on the importance of the here and now.

It is worth noting that this therapy, one of the most used types of therapy by psychologists, believes in the natural human impulse for self-actualization and authenticity. Instead of focusing on mental disorders or pathological personalities, it seeks real and sensitive data from the individual’s experience. It evaluates the existential context of life, understanding the person from the perspective of their lived experience.

Furthermore, it also looks at the unique way each person understands, interprets, and finds meaning in the world. Thus, the professional conducting this approach needs to be guided by empathy. They need to have a deep understanding of the other’s interior to help the client make sense of and find value in their experiences.

Therefore, the goal of Phenomenological-Existential therapy is not necessarily to ‘solve’ specific problems, but rather to help the client have a more authentic and meaningful relationship with their own life. It is an approach that aims to help the client live more authentically and satisfactorily.

How Gestalt Therapy contributes to emotional well-being

Among the most used types of therapy by psychologists, Gestalt Therapy is one of the great allies for emotional well-being. It proposes an integrated approach, considering the individual as a whole: mind, body, and environment.

Gestalt, in German, means “form” or “whole”. In practice, it means considering the individual in all their dimensions. A crucial point is the focus on the present, on the experience of “here” and “now”.

It seeks to encourage the individual to reconnect with their deepest emotions, if not masked or forgotten. Thus, self-awareness is strengthened, and authenticity is promoted.

Often, automatic mental processes and old patterns can make us react to situations in a harmful way. It is essential to change how we interpret and react to our environment. This is where Gestalt helps, perfectly.

In summary, Gestalt Therapy focuses on the individual’s awareness. How? Wallace Delois Wattles, a 19th-century writer, supports:

“The true path to power is consciousness. Not subconsciousness, but superconsciousness.”

Share your experiences and questions about Gestalt Therapy with us in the comments below.

Understanding EMDR therapy

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is one of the types of therapy used by psychologists primarily to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders.

This approach uses techniques to stimulate both sides of the brain to accelerate the “digestion” process of traumatic memories. This is done through eye movements or alternating taps on different sides of the patient’s body.

But how does it work in practice? During the session, the psychologist guides the patient to bring to mind the disturbing traumatic memory and then follow the therapist’s hand movement with their eyes or respond to taps on their own body. At the same time, they are encouraged to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. The goal is for the traumatic memory to lose its negative emotional “charge”.

• Combats anxiety
• Treatment of phobias
• Assistance in overcoming emotional trauma

The effectiveness of EMDR has been scientifically proven, and this therapy is gaining more and more space among mental health professionals.

The relevance of Logotherapy in the current scenario

One of the many options among the most used types of therapy by psychologists today is Logotherapy. Created by Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Logotherapy plays a relevant role in the current scenario, standing out for its ability to guide individuals in search of meaning in their lives, especially useful in times of crisis.

In an era of so much uncertainty, as imposed by the current pandemic, many people find themselves lost and without purpose. This can lead to a state of anguish, suffering, and eventually, depression. In Logotherapy, the focus is not on present problems but on hope and the determination to pursue a future that makes sense.

In other words, Logotherapy helps find the motivation and reason to persevere in difficult situations. It believes that meaning, more than any other factor, gives life direction and purpose, encouraging overcoming obstacles.

By working from this perspective, the therapist seeks to enhance the quality of life of their patients, helping them identify their own goals and values. This approach is especially beneficial for individuals facing existential issues, such as the search for a purpose in life.

In summary, the relevance of Logotherapy today is due to its ability to offer tools for the search for a life purpose, especially in times of uncertainty and instability.

Narrative: The art of storytelling in the therapeutic context

In any therapy, communication is a powerful tool for healing. And we’re not just talking about words, but also about the narrative that accompanies them. Narrative therapy involves the art of storytelling in the clinical context and is one of the most used types of therapy by psychologists today.

Believe it: we are all storytellers! We narrate our lives and experiences all the time. But did you know that the way we tell these stories can affect our mental health? That’s right, a plot from a negative perspective can keep us trapped in feelings of sadness, guilt, or fear. Here, narrative therapy comes into play.

In this therapeutic method, the type of narrative a person creates about their own life is examined. The goal is to help them develop a more positive and encouraging life story.

• The therapist may employ different techniques, such as open-ended questions, to help the person explore their story.
• A solution-focused approach can be adopted to bring out forgotten or silenced skills and strengths.
• The therapist can help identify events in their lives that contradict the negative stories they have about themselves.

This “redefinition of the story” can be extremely liberating and an effective way to overcome psychological obstacles. Furthermore, narrative therapy can also be combined with various other therapeutic techniques, including hypnotherapy, enhancing its effectiveness.

The influence of Humanistic Therapy on contemporary psychology

It is undeniable the presence of Humanistic Therapy among the most used types of therapy by psychologists. Although it emerged as a reaction against the determinism seen in Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism, Humanistic Therapy has its roots firmly planted in contemporary reality.

The focus has always been on the ‘here and now’, taking into account the individual’s total experience, not just the past or observable behaviors. This holistic view allows for consideration of all human dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Carl Rogers, a central figure in the development of humanistic therapy, highlighted the importance of listening to and valuing the client’s experience. From his point of view, people have the potential to find answers to their own problems with support and unconditional acceptance from the therapist.

• The focus on the therapeutic relationship is a hallmark of Humanistic Therapy.
• Therapists adopt a non-evaluative posture and offer empathy to the client.

And this is how Humanistic Therapy continues to shape modern psychology: encouraging autonomy, responsibility, and authenticity. Integrated with other methods, such as hypnosis, it can offer a unique therapeutic approach that values all human experiences.

So, if you believe in the potential of the individual and human dignity, Humanistic Therapy might be the right approach for you.

Conclusion

As we have seen, there are various therapeutic approaches used by psychologists today, each contributing uniquely to the promotion of emotional health. From Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, through Psychoanalysis, Analytical Psychology, to Clinical Hypnosis, all these most used types of therapy by psychologists can meet different needs and preferences.

Hypnotherapy, for example, is increasingly recognized and valued for its potential to assist in the treatment of various psychological and emotional issues.

During our journey, we also explored approaches like Psychodrama, Mindfulness, Phenomenological-Existential Therapy, Narrative, Humanistic Therapy, and many others that make up this fascinating universe of therapeutic possibilities.

Consider an important fact: each individual is unique and has their own peculiarities. This means that no therapy is unique and perfect for everyone. The choice will depend on the patient’s affinity and comfort with the approach, as well as the suitability for the problem they seek to address.

Now, how about taking a step forward in this direction? If clinical hypnosis intrigued you and you want to learn more about how this tool can enhance your professional techniques, I invite you to learn about the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis.

In the following link, you will have access to all the information you need to take this next step in your professional career: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of hypnotherapy for mental health?

Among the most used types of therapy by psychologists, hypnotherapy is a valuable methodology. Used ethically and responsibly, it amplifies the capacity for treatment response, helping to overcome traumas, anxieties, and stresses. It is a powerful tool to enhance the change of automatic behaviors and the interpretation of the environment we live in.

Is hypnosis suitable for all patients?

Not necessarily. The usefulness of hypnosis depends on the individual circumstances of each patient and the severity of the symptoms. It is essential to talk to a certified professional to assess if it is the right approach for you.

Is it possible to learn hypnosis without being a healthcare professional?

Although the practice of clinical hypnosis is restricted to duly certified healthcare professionals, there are basic courses in scientific hypnosis available for anyone interested in understanding the basic concepts of this practice.

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?

It is one of the most effective techniques used by psychologists in their treatments. It is based on the idea that our thoughts and perceptions influence our behaviors. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients understand their thoughts and emotions to improve the management of their mental health.

How does the practice of hypnosis align with scientific and ethical methods?

The practice of hypnosis is based on principles from the American Psychological Association (APA) and is used ethically and responsibly by healthcare professionals. It is a valuable tool when used in the appropriate context and professionally, never as a miraculous promise or quackery. Hypnosis, when performed correctly, enhances evidence-based health treatments.