It’s customary for people to seek treatment for physical, emotional, or mental issues. Therapy is treatment. When you pursue therapy, the goal’s to eliminate the issue or find ways to manage it.
There are multiple types of issues people receive treatment for, so there are also multiple types of therapy. Identify your symptoms. Clarify your treatment goals and determine which type of therapy suits your needs. Refer to the list here when you consider your therapy options to ensure you pursue the right therapy.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists work with individuals who have swallowing disorders, speech disorders, or speech delays. A child with a speech delay can benefit from playing therapy games to improve their ability to enunciate clearly. People may also pursue speech therapy if they’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke that’s impaired their ability to speak correctly. Speech therapists help patients develop communication skills. They use fun ways to reinforce proper speech, such as video games, card games, and board games. Speech therapists also work with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD often have impulse control issues, prompting them to speak too fast and affecting their communication ability.
Somatic Therapy
People who may opt for somatic therapy include people struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders. Somatic therapists, such as Julie Ann Otis, focus on the connection between the mind and body. Somatic therapists use various tactics in therapy sessions, including breathing exercises, massage, and physical exercise, to help patients release trauma. Patients can overcome trauma by letting go of their stress and alleviating tension, which can be accomplished through various exercises.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy’s commonly known as talk therapy. Patients discuss issues with a counselor or psychiatrist. Therapists help patients identify harmful behavior patterns and effective ways to address those behaviors. People may pursue psychotherapy alone, attend sessions with family members, or address relationship issues by attending with their partner. Psychotherapists work with individuals dealing with emotional or mental health issues.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are experts who have a doctoral degree in physical therapy and a PT license. PTs treat patients with physical issues, such as pain or mobility problems. Individuals born with a disability may see a physical therapist to improve their coordination. For example, patients with Angelman syndrome or cerebral palsy can improve their mobility and build leg strength through exercise programs designed by a physical therapist. People may also see a physical therapist to promote their recovery after having broken limbs, suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or had a stroke.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists must have a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a license. They work with patients affected by illnesses, disabilities, or injuries. Some aspects of OT may seem to overlap with PT because occupational therapists can also help patients manage their pain. Occupational therapists don’t prioritize the gross motor skills needed to run or jump. Instead, they focus on routine functions such as tying shoelaces and buttoning shirts. Their objective’s to help patients gain or recover critical daily living skills. Occupational therapists also teach people to use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and leg braces.
Recreational Therapy
Like occupational therapists, recreational therapists work with people with disabilities, illnesses, and injuries. Recreational therapists plan recreational activities to promote social skills and promote their patients’ emotional well-being. These therapists use physical, social, and creative activities to alleviate their patients’ stress and help patients cope with depression. They may also use physical activities to help patients modify physical actions to achieve desired results if an injury prevents them from performing tasks. Suppose a person’s in an accident and loses the use of their dominant arm. Their recreational therapist would help them learn to write with their other hand. The types of activities they use in treatments vary and include swimming, art, games, and picnics.
There are several types of therapy. Some therapists, such as psychotherapists, focus exclusively on a person’s mental and emotional health. Speech, physical, and occupational therapists treat physical issues. Somatic and recreational therapists use physical activities to help patients with mental and emotional challenges. A recreational therapist also addresses physical needs stemming from disabilities, illnesses, or injuries.
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