Individual psychotherapy is the most common psychotherapy. Individual sessions involve the identified patient who sees an individual therapist (a licensed master’s level clinician or a doctoral level clinician) a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Homework assignments are sometimes given and other members of the patient’s life might participate in a session if it is deemed appropriate.
Couples Therapy can be helpful for couples who need help resolving disagreements and improving communication. Both individuals of the couple attend sessions together and are often given homework assignments to practice healthier communication and engage in more positive activities that will help heal and nourish the relationship.
Group Therapy consists of a group of patients (2 or more people) who are led by 1 or 2 clinicians. This differs from a Support Group as Support Groups are often “peer-led”, meaning they are not led by a licensed mental health provider. Group Therapy can help people practice new communication and social skills during the group, feel a sense of belonging with the group, feel that they are heard by peers, and can help people learn how to be active listeners themselves. Additionally, group therapy is generally a lower fee than other types of therapy.
Family Therapy occurs when a self-defined family unit attends therapy sessions. The goals of family therapy are less about each person’s individual mental health concerns (however these are certainly important and are discussed) and more about helping facilitate assertive communication, empathy, compassion, and problem-solving.
