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September 30th, 2024
Psychotherapy Model
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a supportive process where you talk with a trained therapist to work through emotional and mental health challenges. In these sessions, you have a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, gaining insights and learning healthier ways to cope. Therapists are there to understand your unique needs and help you manage stress, improve relationships and navigate life’s difficulties. It’s a journey towards greater well-being, offering you the tools to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
What are the different kinds of psychotherapy?
Due to the variety of issues a person may face, there are multiple types of psychotherapy available, each targeting specific concerns. Many of these therapies can be used together and have different applications. Here are a few examples of psychotherapy:
| Therapy | What it is | Effective for |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) | Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It involves working with a therapist to develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills. | Anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, PTSD, managing stress, improving sleep, handling chronic pain |
| Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) | A specialised form of CBT that emphasises balancing acceptance and change. Includes individual therapy, group skills training and phone coaching. | Borderline personality disorder, self-harm behaviours, chronic suicidal ideation, eating disorders, mood disorders |
| Psychodynamic Therapy | Delves into the unconscious mind to uncover deep-seated emotional conflicts and motivations. Involves exploring past experiences and relationships to understand current behaviour patterns. | Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, complex trauma, personal growth, deeper self-awareness |
| Humanistic Therapy | Emphasises personal growth and self-actualisation. Provides a non-judgmental, supportive environment to explore feelings and achieve potential. | Depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life |
| Family Therapy | Involves treating the family unit as a whole. Focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts and fostering healthy relationships within the family system. | Marital problems, parent-child conflicts, effects of addiction or mental illness on the family, major life transitions |
| Group Therapy | Involves a small group of people with similar issues meeting regularly under the guidance of a therapist. Provides a supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others. | Depression, anxiety, addiction, social skills deficits, building a support network |
| Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) | A specialised therapy that helps individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. Involves guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while recalling distressing memories. | PTSD, trauma-related disorders, anxiety, phobias, panic disorders |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) | Combines traditional cognitive therapy with mindfulness strategies. Helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgement. | Preventing relapse in depression, reducing anxiety, managing stress, chronic pain, promoting overall well-being |
Is psychotherapy used in addiction recovery?
Psychotherapy plays a vital role in addiction recovery, offering individuals the support and strategies they need to overcome their struggles. This approach helps with addressing the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. There are various therapeutic approaches available, each tailored to different aspects of addiction:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used therapies for addiction. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their substance use. CBT is particularly effective in helping individuals develop coping strategies to handle triggers and stress without resorting to drugs or alcohol. By focusing on the present, CBT encourages patients to set realistic goals and work towards them incrementally.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Initially developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective in treating addiction, especially when it co-occurs with other mental health issues. DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. It teaches patients how to manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviours, providing them with skills to navigate stressful situations without turning to substances.
Holistic psychotherapies
Holistic psychotherapies take a whole-person approach to addiction recovery, addressing the mind, body and spirit. These therapies often include practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga and art therapy. They aim to promote overall well-being and help individuals connect with themselves on a deeper level.
Holistic approaches are particularly effective for reducing stress, improving emotional regulation and fostering a sense of inner peace and balance, which can be incredibly beneficial in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Group therapy
Group therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. This form of therapy fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can be incredibly motivating. Group therapy helps individuals realise they are not alone in their struggles, providing them with peer support and accountability. It also offers a space to practise social skills and receive feedback, which is crucial for building healthy relationships and maintaining sobriety.
Family therapy
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts the whole family. Family therapy involves loved ones in the treatment process, addressing family dynamics that may contribute to the addiction. It aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts and rebuild trust. By involving the family, this therapy helps create a supportive environment crucial for long-term recovery.
Do psychotherapies guarantee recovery?
Psychotherapies do not promise a guaranteed path to recovery, but they are vital in helping you understand the root causes of addiction. This deeper understanding is essential for creating effective relapse prevention plans.
Therapy can guide you in exploring ways to strengthen your strategies and build resilience against future challenges. By addressing core issues and developing solid coping mechanisms, psychotherapies are there to support you every step of the way on your journey to lasting recovery.
Does Oasis Bradford use psychotherapies for addiction recovery?
At Oasis Bradford, we believe in healing both the mind and body to support individuals on their journey to recovery. Addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life, so our approach integrates various therapeutic methods for comprehensive care.
We use traditional psychotherapies like DBT, which helps manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviours and group therapy, which fosters a sense of community and shared understanding.
Alongside these, we incorporate holistic therapies such as art therapy, allowing individuals to express emotions that might be hard to articulate with words, promoting self-awareness and emotional healing. Yoga combines physical movement with mindfulness, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.
By blending these approaches, we create a nurturing environment that addresses all facets of addiction, helping individuals achieve sobriety and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Oasis Bradford can help. Our compassionate team offers tailored support to guide you towards recovery. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a healthier future. Contact Oasis Bradford today for the help you deserve.
