Therapy Modalities: What’s the Difference?
The COVID-19 Pandemic brought with it a jaw-dropping 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression across the world (WHO, n.d.). Since that time, many therapist’s practices have reached capacity, and folks in need of counseling are placed on waiting lists. While you may still be on a waiting list for a period of time, knowing which modality(ies) you’re interested in or believe will benefit you can be a big step toward finding a therapist that’s the right fit for you.
The Most Common Therapy Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is typically given over the short-term (6-20 sessions), and is based on the idea that by changing their thoughts or thought patterns, a client can shift how they feel. When people learn to change their thoughts in a more adaptive way, they experience a decrease in their negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors (Beck, 2021). CBT is supported by extensive research, and has been used to treat issues like anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, disordered eating, PTSD, and grief (American Psychological Association, n.d.).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an action-oriented model that recognizes duality. What I mean by that is that ACT encourages clients to accept difficult emotions and hold space for them, while also supporting clients in taking positive action in their life - action that is guided by a person’s core values (Harris, 2019). ACT is used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, chronic stress, and the psychological impact of chronic pain (Sussex Publishers, n.d.).
Expressive Arts Therapy
The Northwest Expressive & Creative Arts Institute defined expressive arts therapy as a “multi-modality, integrative approach” to working with the creative arts (Northwest Expressive & Creative Arts Institute, 2023). Arts therapy allows folks to connect emotions with ideas, and art offers a way to access and communicate feelings without having to verbalize them. The focus of expressive arts therapy is on the creating process rather than the outcome.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Typically used to help folks who have experienced chronic, acute, or developmental trauma, EMDR focuses on helping clients heal from the emotional distress and symptoms resulting from traumatic experiences. EMDR is a multi-phase treatment that research has shown to be highly effective (EMDR Institute, 2022).
Finding the Right Therapist for You
SageMED is proud be home to a growing therapeutic practice, led by Marrie Ketchum, LICSW. Currently we have one therapist, Brittany Rogers, LMHCA who is accepting new patients. You can learn more about Brittany here.
If our provider’s are not in network with your insurance or you need to find a therapist who deals with a concern or condition outside of what we offer, we highly recommend using Therapy Den to find the right counselor for you.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). What is cognitive behavioral therapy?. APA. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
EMDR Institute. (2022, October 20). What is EMDR?. EMDR Institute. https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute. (2023, August 28). Why Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy?. Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute. https://seattlearttherapy.org/
Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Acceptance and commitment therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Covid-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide