Traditional Counseling vs. Nontraditional

Traditional and nontraditional counseling methods offer different options for people looking to meet their mental health needs. Nontraditional counseling methods offer alternatives to the traditional talk therapy approach. When deciding on any type of counseling, ensure that the counselor possesses a valid mental health license. Inquire about payment methods as well, as many health insurance companies only cover traditional counseling treatments.

Traditional Counseling

• Traditional counseling consists of talk therapy, where a client discusses problems and mental health symptoms. Clients receive a full mental health assessment that includes a medical diagnosis. The therapist and client collaboratively establish a treatment plan that outlines the client's goals. Counselors assist clients in learning new skills such as modifying distorted thoughts and changing behaviors that contribute to mental health issues. The counselor teaches the client how to solve problems and make healthy decisions.

Online therapy

• Advances in technology allow for nontraditional counseling with virtual therapy sessions available via videoconferencing, chat sessions, email and phone. This enables increased privacy as clients often do not need to provide information such as their demographics, and in many cases, their real name. Online therapy meets the needs of many people; however, it is not suitable for all conditions, such as suicidal ideation. Many critics express concerns about possible confidentiality breaches when information is passed on via online methods.

Hypnotherapy

• Hypnotherapy is a nontraditional counseling method that uses hypnosis to help solve underlying issues contributing toward a person's problems. Hypnotherapists report helping patients with issues such as weight loss, smoking, stress management and eating disorders. Hypnotherapy uses relaxation and helps people enter a trancelike state. The hypnotherapist repeats positive affirmations to increase a person's motivation and to decrease negative thoughts that prevent the person from reaching his goals. People can learn hypnotherapy techniques through individual hypnotherapy sessions, large seminars or self-help resources such as books and CDs.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a nontraditional form of therapy that specifically address trauma. EMDR involves the client talking about a traumatic event and the negative thoughts and feelings associated with the events. While talking about the traumatic events, the therapist moves her finger back and forth, and the client follows her finger with his eyes. EMDR is based on the idea that the combination of talking about the trauma while moving the eyes reprograms how the brain stores the information and makes recalling the event less anxiety-provoking.