Therapy Categories

Mind

How can mind therapy nourish you?

The healing power of therapy for the mind comes from the ability to make choices about how meaning is created and revised. A skilled practitioner can support you take control of your thoughts and cultivate positive, resourceful mental habits^[1] through modalities that are centred around consciously reflecting your mental processes.

Mind therapy can take many forms, ranging from attaining self-realisation through visual art^[2], to talking with a counsellor, coach or psychologist, or learning to develop a serene and present state of mind^[3]. The general aim of mind therapy is to resolve emotional and psychological problems, mood disorders and past trauma, empowering you to develop a peaceful, fulfilled and happy perspective^[4] about life.

Benefits of mind therapy

While most of these disciplines are centred around mental wellness, some modalities offer significant physiological benefits as well. For example, it is reported that women using hypnobirthing techniques may be significantly less likely to use epidurals or require caesarean delivery^[5]. There is evidence to suggest hypnotherapy may help relieve migraine^[6] as well as support weight loss^[7].

There is evidence to suggest family counselling may improve communication between parents and children^[8], and clinical psychology has been studied as an effective method for resolving a wide variety of mental health conditions^[9], ranging from depression and anxiety to eating disorders and substance abuse. There is research to suggest mindfulness meditation may improve emotional stability^[10] and working memory, as well as reduce stress.

There is evidence to suggest life coaching may have beneficial effect on work/life balance^[11], while neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is reported to possibly be an effective therapy for the treatment of phobias^[12].

What to expect from a mind therapy session

A typical session will start with your practitioner asking you about your goals and reasons for undertaking the therapy. In some cases, a key aspect of the first session might involve helping you figure out your strengths^[13], develop certainty about your own values and discover what would constitute a fulfilling life for you.

A major aspect of this group of disciplines is known as ‘talk-based therapy^[14]’. This involves discussing what is troubling you with your practitioner who will ask you strategic questions and offer new points of view that can help you change the way you perceive and approach your problems.

Depending on the specific modality you choose, your practitioner may use techniques ranging from hypnosis^[15] to teaching you how to calm your mind and become grounded in the present moment^[16]. In many cases, your practitioner will develop a plan or framework^[17] to support you in implementing changes in your life, as well as provide you with strategies to come to terms with painful memories or cope with depression or anxiety.

Please consult your medical professional before commencing mind therapy, as they will be able to advise you about which modality might be most suitable in your case. Good rapport is particularly important for successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to ask your practitioner if you have any concerns or uncertainties about the process. Above all, if you don’t feel like your practitioner is a good match for you, there is no pressure or obligation to continue^[18]; it is more important to find someone you feel safe and comfortable communicating with.

References