Better living through this form of proactive self-care
Therapy is a profession that has increased in the awareness of
the general population as we've become a culture more focused on
self-care and taking care of our body, mind, and soul more
consistently. There are many professions that fall under the
title of therapy. The most common is that of psychotherapy which
encompasses grief therapy, group therapy, couples therapy,
cognitive therapy, and family therapy. Individuals who offer
services in these types of therapy typically are Counselors,
Social Workers, or Psychologists with graduate degrees. The
primary focus is on helping individuals, couples, and groups
improve their quality of life through gain a better
understanding of their emotional and mental health. Typically,
clients visit with these professionals on a weekly basis and may
meet for a short-term to resolve the immediate need or over a
longer period of time to get to deeper issues limiting someone's
enjoyment of life. Play therapy is a variant of psychotherapy
that focuses on working with children or those with emotional
trauma. Through the use of play techniques, the therapist aims
to help in resolving whatever issue may be keeping the person
stuck. Techniques here include acting, drawing,
thought-provoking games, taking pictures, storytelling, and
combining different elements like stories and drawing. The
intent is to use these methods as a metaphor for assisting the
child in discovering a truth or understanding about themselves.
Massage therapy and physical therapy are other professions more
focused on the physical health of those who are seeking
proactive or reparative health, respectively. Massage therapy is
usually performed on a weekly basis - or occasionally if in a
resort, salon, or spa area. Physical therapy is a restorative
healing profession, typically affiliated with a hospital or
outpatient clinic. Increased movement, mobility, or a decrease
in pain are the typical objectives of someone seeking physical
therapy. Through the use of various forms of therapy,
individuals can increase their quality of life emotional,
mentally, and physically.