Talking therapies are just one option prescribed to treat a variety of mental health conditions. The type of talking therapy recommended for any one individual however, is based on the patient’s diagnosis and the severity of their condition, or conditions. Very often, therapy needs to be accompanied by medication in the form of an anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety or mood stabilising drug, but sometimes medication may not be needed at all. But what exactly are “talking therapies” and how do you know you are accessing the right one?
The most common, and most often recommended of talking therapies is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychotherapy which addresses the way we think and the way we act when faced with problems. It concentrates on here and now life challenges and encourages changes in thinking patterns and behaviours. It is used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, panic disorders, phobias and stress. For more information see our website page on CBT.
Interpersonal Therapy (ITP) focuses on relationship conflicts and how they affect feelings of self-worth. It is used in the treatment of depression and aims to help patients find ways of coping with their current problems rather than examining deeply rooted causes of symptoms. After a short course of interpersonal therapy, usually 8 to 12 weeks, the patient should understand about the nature of depression, recognise the issues that might trigger another episode and have strategies to resolve them. Interpersonal therapy can also be used as a maintenance tool over several years.
Brief Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), sometimes known as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, was developed for treating depression but also helps with emotional and relationship problems. It is usually used where a patient has not responded to CBT, or where they choose a psychodynamic approach. It gives the patient time to think and talk about the feelings they have about themselves and others based on both current and past events and how they are affecting their emotions and behaviour.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts, and the events and relationships that underlie these experiences. It brings together ideas from different therapies into one effective therapy. It is tailored to a person’s individual needs and to their own manageable goals for change and is useful for depression and anxiety. It is a time-limited therapy – typically 16 sessions of treatment
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines standard cognitive behavioural techniques, reality-testing and mindfulness. It is very useful for a variety of psychological problems, and particularly for borderline personality disorders.
Counselling differs from the therapies listed above in that it aims to help the patient identify their problem clearly and to come up with their own answers. It is used to help cope with difficult events but does not aim to change the way you think or act in the same way as psychodynamic therapies.
Mindfulness therapies combine talking therapy with some form of meditation. It is particularly useful for patients suffering from stress. It is sometimes recommended to prevent the reoccurrence of depression.
Talking therapies are structured psychological treatments where individuals talk with a trained therapist about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. These therapies aim to help people manage mental health conditions by understanding and changing unhelpful patterns. Depending on the approach, they may focus on present-day problems, past experiences, relationships, or a combination of all three.
The most suitable type of therapy depends on your diagnosis, symptom severity, personal preferences, and whether you have responded to previous treatments. For example, CBT is widely used for depression and anxiety, while DBT is often recommended for borderline personality disorder. A mental health professional will assess your needs and help guide you to the most appropriate form of therapy.
Not always. Some people benefit from talking therapies alone, while others find the best results when therapy is combined with medication, such as antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or anti-anxiety drugs. Your clinician will help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual circumstances.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), while rooted in CBT, also incorporates mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques and is particularly effective for individuals with complex emotional difficulties, such as borderline personality disorder.
The length of therapy varies depending on the type and the individual’s needs. For example, CBT or Interpersonal Therapy often lasts 8–16 sessions, while therapies like CAT are typically limited to around 16 sessions. Some people may benefit from longer-term or ongoing support, especially in the case of chronic or recurring mental health issues.
