Is There a Difference? — Talkspace

Key Differences Between CBT and Talk Therapy

Although psychotherapy and CBT aim to improve mental health, there are significant differences between them. Understanding where and how they differ can help you choose the best therapy for your needs.

Scope

Psychotherapy encompasses a wide range of therapeutic approaches. For example, a therapist might use psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, or other modalities to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a structured way. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in addressing a wide variety of issues, from relationship problems to personal growth, without necessarily focusing on specific symptoms or diagnoses.

Cognitive behavioral therapy allows you to identify and change negative thought patterns that are impacting your life. It is a highly structured form of treatment that is used to treat specific problems. Cognitive therapy teaches you practical skills so you can manage problems independently in the long term. Understanding the benefits of CBT can give you more clarity about why it might be a right option for you.

Focus

In psychotherapy, you explore past experiences to determine how they impact your present. Psychotherapy seeks to find the underlying emotional problems and patterns that contribute to your current state. The focus is more on understanding and processing your emotions than on finding an immediate solution.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the present and the future. Emphasize your current problems so you can figure out how to solve them. CBT teaches you to recognize distorted or unhelpful thought patterns so you can begin to change maladaptive behaviors.

Structure

Psychotherapy is more flexible and can be client-directed. In sessions, you can guide the conversation based on any immediate concerns or feelings you have. The therapist provides a supportive environment so that you feel safe exploring and gaining information.

CBT is very structured. Sessions usually follow a specific agenda and you will work with the CBT therapist to set goals and track your progress. CBT sessions often assign homework to reinforce newly learned coping skills.

Techniques

Open-ended questions, reflective listening, and interpretation are standard techniques used in psychotherapy. The therapist helps you understand your emotions and behavior by talking and exploring your experiences.

In a CBT session, specific CBT techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, are used to help you change your behavior.

Duration and objectives

There is no set schedule for talk therapy. Depending on your needs, it can be a short-term or long-term commitment. Your goals with your therapist are flexible and may evolve. Psychotherapy encourages deep understanding and emotional healing, which can sometimes mean a longer commitment to the process. Please note that the time it takes for therapy to work may vary from person to person.

CBT is usually a short-term commitment. There is a clear timeline and specific goals are set. Treatment usually lasts between 6 and 20 sessions, during which you will gain tools to manage your problems with confidence.