Where Shall I Begin?

“Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?" he asked. "Begin at the beginning," the King said gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass

So, you're ready to embark on the journey of therapy? You've heard the buzz about its benefits and the notion of 'doing the work,' but what exactly does that mean?

Let’s “begin at the beginning,” shall we? Don’t worry this won’t take long.

Let's consider counseling as a form of psychotherapy, without delving into the nuances of different types of counseling. I like to think of psychotherapy as paint that comes in various shades, textures, and finishes. The goal is to change the presentation of the object being painted but it has to work within the context of the environment. Assessing needs, ability and desired outcomes are part of the paint selection process, likewise, these same areas must be accounted for when attempting to “do the work.”

Now that we've touched on the basics, let's peek into the diverse world of psychotherapy focusing on these 5 main categories.

First, lets’s begin with Psychoanalysis or Psychodynamic therapy. This practice mainly explores unconscious forces that drive behavior. This style of therapy developed by Sigmund Freud is the most recognizable due to its popularity on film & TV but has evolved beyond it’s its fictional portrayal to be more inclusive, flexible, and grounded in evidence-based practices. This type of therapy is suitable for individuals who are willing to engage in long-term therapy and deep self-reflection to discover underlying unconscious conflicts and childhood traumas. This therapy tends to be good for people experiencing recurring relationship difficulties that persist, despite their best efforts to change things.

The eponymous Behavioral therapy aims to improve mental well-being by changing behavior. Think of the famous Pavlov's dog experiment. If you are experiencing specific behaviors that you wish to change and respond well to structured interventions with tangible goals, this therapy might be suitable for you especially if you want to keep a strict timeline. If you struggle with phobias or process-related issues at work or school, this might be a good place to start.

Now, Cognitive Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes how our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviors. During cognitive therapy sessions, you will work on identifying and modifying distorted thinking patterns. The therapist may ask you difficult questions that challenge your way of thinking and help you find practical solutions to current issues, rather than delving into past traumas extensively. If you find yourself with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or anxious thoughts, cognitive therapy may provide you the relief your looking for.

The Humanistic Approach encourages present-mindedness and personal growth, making it an ideal path for those seeking to explore their potential and achieve greatness. It emphasizes self-exploration, authenticity, and finding meaning in one's life, while also promoting personal responsibility. If you feel like you have lost your sense of purpose, or just feel disconnected from life in general, then a humanistic approach could be beneficial to you.

As clinicians gain more experience, some may discover that incorporating techniques from other therapies can improve client outcomes. Holistic/Integrative Therapy allows for a flexible and personalized form of therapy that can address a variety of concerns. By being open to exploring different therapeutic techniques, one can discover new ways to help themselves and others. If you notice that you have a recurring set of problems that may include thinking, behavior, or a search for meaning, a more integrative approach could help you work on each of these sticking points.

Always remember that every theory has its own unique value and relevance, and you can determine the approach that works best for you by meeting with a trained therapist and having a brief discussion on your concerns and possible goals. Clinicians are always happy to help you understand, that’s why the free 15-minute consultation exists! Whether you prefer a more detailed treatment that bridges the gap between the past and present or a present-focused approach, both have their own merits. As you continue to progress, you may find yourself exploring new practices that you wouldn't normally consider. And remember, it's perfectly fine to start and stop as many times as you need to until you achieve your desired level of progress, just “begin at the beginning.”

Interested in my psychotherapeutic approach? Check my bio for more information.

Feel free to comment if you have any thoughts or questions about today’s post.