What is integrative therapy?

When you finally decided to enter therapy, another important choice will come. One of them is the choice of the type of therapy that would be suitable for your needs. The terminology used by psychiatrists might be ambiguous to you. Despite having an entire description of their working methods, we still do not know what to expect. In general, the “type” or the “field” of therapy is what we call the particular method that is chosen by a given psychiatrist. 

We distinguish 5 basic types:

· psychodynamic,

· cognitive-behavioral,

· humanist-existentialist, 

· integrative,

· systemic,

Each one of those types has its derivatives (methods). The choice of the therapy’s type strongly depends on the characteristics of the patient’s problem. Some of the methods focus more on the analysis of childhood memories and the patient’s past, while others analyze ways of thinking about oneself and the outside world at the given moment. 

Integrative psychotherapy takes its techniques and methods from various medical approaches. Working methods are adjusted to the mental state of the patient and their general needs. By connecting elements deriving from various medical schools, therapists are more flexible when it comes to deciding on a particular method. An integrative psychotherapist uses various methods and techniques in their working process. Depending on the patient, the given issue, and the patient’s needs, the therapist chooses the best option and method of conveying therapy. They might include both the elements of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanist therapy. 

What is important when it comes to integrative therapy is, first and foremost, putting the relationship with the patient first and focusing on their needs. The integrative psychotherapist is aware of various factors that influence the human psyche and picks the best possible tools to match the patient’s condition. Their choice strongly depends on the patient’s situation and history. 

An integrative psychotherapist will observe how a particular method influences the patient and modify it effectively so that it works well for the patient. 

Integrative psychotherapy is a universal form of mental help that can be used either with children and young adults as well as with grown-ups. It is effective in cases of treating various mental disorders (anxiety, depression) as well as personality disorders. Cognitive techniques work best when it comes to treating anxiety and depression, while in cases of personality disorders or troubled relationships it is suggested to use the psycho-dynamic method. 

Just as any other form of therapy, integrative therapy requires openness to exploring one’s fear, hopes, emotional life as well as the things that can give one new challenges and things to look forward to in the future. 

Moreover, if you like the idea of therapy that is more individualized and less strict than classic methods, integrative therapy might be a great choice for you.