MAKING SENSE OF THERAPY MODALITIES
Reading about therapist approaches is like trying to make sense from a bowl of alphabet soup…what are all these acronyms, and what do they mean about what I should expect from therapy?
There are many different modalities that a therapist may be specialized in or choose to use depending on the client’s presentation, needs, experience, etc. Most therapists operate from an integrative approach where they may use aspects of multiple modalities to support a client. Everything in therapy should be individualized to the client. If you have any questions about your treatment, we’d encourage you to openly ask your therapist about your concerns or questions.
WHAT IS A THERAPY “MODALITY"?
Modalities are approaches or methods that a counselor will use in treating your particular diagnosis or concern. There are broader categories of modalities, then within those are more specific approaches.
Therapists will learn many modalities in their training and typically become passionate about a couple and specialize in those modalities that are also a good fit for the clients they enjoy working with. For example, a long-time researched and supported modality for a client who is perfectionistic and anxious is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
WHICH MODALITY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
There are many different modalities, new ones are being researched and practiced every day. Without knowing much about therapy modalities, you can still determine if a therapist is a good fit for you based on the following:
Does this therapist see a wide variety of clients/issues, or do they focus on a few things making them more specialized in what your concern may be?
Similarly to the question above, do they list a lot of acronyms of modalities they use and are “specialized” in, or do they focus on only a few?
How many years of experience does the therapist have with your particular issue?
Does this therapist come highly recommended by other specialists in the field?
Does this therapist carry any other credentials or have other trainings in your area of concern?
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR THERAPIST QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR APPROACH.
It is within your right as a client/patient to fully understand your therapist’s background and approach to your concerns. After the first few sessions your therapist should have a good idea of a treatment plan to use for you. This treatment plan will include goals, frequency of meeting, and modalities to use. The therapist always reserves the right to change a treatment plan at any time, but you are privy to this information and may always ask clarifying questions.
THE GOAL SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO GRADUATE
Although therapists and their clients can develop really strong connections, and life may always offer changes and opportunities for growth, the goal of therapy should always be to graduate.
The goal of working with any provider is to move on. For example, you may be going to your chiropractor for lower back pain, but the hope is that you do not always need that standing appointment every week for the rest of your life. Rather, you are given tools to strengthen that area, recommendations for movements to improve symptoms, and receive treatment that helps the body heal. Therefore, the goal is to receive care then graduate.
At Bamboo Nutrition & Therapy, this is our goal for every client who begins a journey with either a dietitian or a therapist. We want you to receive the best care, learn and understand how to be successful without our support and guidance. In other words, we want you to outgrow us and flourish on your own.