In contrast to counseling, where the focus is on a specific problem, psychotherapy is a longer-term treatment (months to years) which focuses on gaining insight into chronic maladaptive ways of thinking of one’s self and the world around you. This type of therapy focuses on how prior experiences, both good and bad, have developed our sense of self and how it may be influencing our current interactions with ourselves and others.
At Catalyst Psychiatry in Corvallis, Oregon many different modalities can be used during psychotherapy including;
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines several other therapies and ideas into one skill-based therapy. DBT emphasizes psychosocial connections. It is especially helpful for people who become emotionally dysregulated and feel out of control of their emotions. The 4 modules in DBT are mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation. The most effective DBT is done using both individual and group treatment formats which Catalyst does not offer, but general DBT techniques and concepts are often incorporated during psychotherapy sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The basis of CBT is that psychological problems like depression and anxiety are based, in part, on unhelpful or faulty ways of thinking and/or unhelpful or faulty ways of behaving. As a result, if one learns to recognize and examine these unhelpful or faulty thoughts or behaviors there is opportunity to challenge these and develop better and more helpful thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy can be focused on a specific problem and is skill-based.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
In ACT, the focus is on acceptance and commitment as the name implies. It is a therapy focused on developing improved psychological flexibility. It combines mindfulness (observing without judgement) with acknowledgement of negative thoughts and feelings with a commitment to meet challenges head-on rather than avoiding negative emotions. It is another skill-based therapy.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
In this therapy, mindfulness (the practice of being in the moment without judgement) is combined with cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions by understanding triggers and developing skills to avoid depression or anxiety by not engaging in automatic thought patterns that might increase symptoms.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
This type of therapy examines one’s unconscious or subconscious manifestations in their current behavior and interactions with the world. It is best done utilizing multiple sessions per week and by psychodynamically trained therapists. At this time, Catalyst does not offer this modality, though we can refer you to those in the community who provide this.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IP)
IP focuses on interpersonal relationships as the name implies. The primary goal is to improve communication skills and increase self esteem through more effective communication and connections with others. This course of therapy typically lasts 3-4 months.