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Writer's pictureHenna Geronimo

What are the Different Types of Therapies For Young Adults?

Being a young adult is challenging. It's like navigating a never-ending maze of career choices, peer pressure, financial responsibilities, and mental health challenges.


However, counseling young adults can provide a much-needed compass to help them confidently find their way forward. With the right therapist, you can learn to cope with life's ups and downs and come out stronger on the other side.


Let's take a closer look at the different types of therapies for young adults. Let's dive in!


Therapy for young adults
Source: Cielo Treatment Center

What are the Different Types of Therapies For Young Adults?


Let's explore these most effective types of therapy and learn how they can benefit you.


Dialectical Behavioral Therapy


Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a well-established therapeutic approach initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Over time, DBT has been modified to address various mental health challenges, including substance use disorders, eating disorders, and depression.


This evidence-based treatment has shown remarkable success, with studies indicating that up to 77% of people no longer meet the criteria for BPD after just one year of therapy.


DBT combines traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with mindfulness practices, emphasizing the acceptance of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. The core components of DBT are:

  • Mindfulness Meditation: It incorporates mindfulness techniques that help individuals cultivate non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and emotions.

  • Emotion Regulation: It teaches skills that enable individuals to identify, understand, and manage their emotions more effectively, reducing emotional instability and improving overall well-being.

  • Distress Tolerance: It helps participants develop strategies for tolerating and coping with distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors or emotional avoidance.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: It focuses on enhancing communication skills and improving relationships by fostering assertiveness, empathy, and effective problem-solving abilities.

By addressing these key areas, dialectical behavioral therapy allows you to develop coping strategies and improve your ability to regulate emotions. DBT's comprehensive and integrative approach has proven highly effective for young adults with various emotional and behavioral issues.

Advanced Relapse Prevention Therapy


Advanced relapse prevention therapy (ARPT) is a specialized approach for those with recurrent relapses in recovery from substance use disorders or other addictive behaviors. It particularly benefits young adults struggling with maintaining sobriety or other long-term behavioral changes.


ARPT aims to identify the unique triggers and patterns that lead to relapse and helps the individual develop a personalized plan to prevent future occurrences. The therapy focuses on building coping skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering a strong support network to maintain lasting change.


Some of the key components of advanced relapse prevention therapy include:


  • Identifying Triggers: It helps young adults recognize the situations, emotions, and thought patterns that may contribute to their relapse. Understanding these triggers allows them to develop strategies to cope with them more effectively.

  • Coping Skills: It equips young adults with a range of healthy coping mechanisms that can replace their addictive behavior. These skills may include mindfulness techniques, stress reduction practices, and healthy communication strategies.

  • Support Systems: A strong support network is vital for maintaining long-term recovery. ARPT encourages young adults to build and strengthen relationships with supportive friends, family members, and professional resources.

  • Self-Awareness: Developing self-awareness is crucial in preventing relapse. ARPT helps young adults understand their vulnerabilities, strengths, and warning signs to navigate challenging situations better.

  • Long-Term Planning: It emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized relapse prevention plan that can be adapted and updated as the individual progresses in their recovery journey. It serves as a roadmap for young adults to guide them through potential obstacles and setbacks.

Advanced relapse prevention therapy can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in young adults, contributing to a more stable and fulfilling life.


Mindfulness-Centered Meditation Groups


Mindfulness-centered meditation groups are a powerful therapeutic approach that can benefit those facing various mental health challenges. They provide a supportive and structured environment for individuals to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness.


The core principle of mindfulness is to focus on the present moment non-judgmentally, allowing thoughts and emotions to arise and pass without getting caught up in them. Mindfulness meditation groups typically involve guided meditations, group discussions, and experiential exercises to help participants develop and hone their mindfulness skills.


This therapy for young adults can address anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. It can also be helpful for individuals looking to ease stress and improve their overall well-being.

Counseling young adults
Source: Cielo Treatment Center

Art Therapy


Art therapy uses various art materials and techniques to help young adults explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, and cope with life's challenges. It allows participants to express themselves non-verbally, processing complex feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.


Art therapy can be conducted individually or in group settings and is led by a trained art therapist who guides participants through the creative process while facilitating emotional exploration and personal growth.


Key benefits of art therapy for young adults include:


  • Emotional Expression: It provides a safe, non-judgmental space for young adults to express their emotions and feelings through artistic creation. This can help alleviate emotional distress and promote healing.

  • Self-Discovery and Awareness: Creative activities can help young adults explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, increasing self-awareness and personal growth.

  • Stress Relief and Relaxation: Creating art can be therapeutic in itself, providing a calming and relaxing experience that helps reduce stress and anxiety.

  • Improved Communication Skills: Art therapy can help young adults develop better communication skills by encouraging them to express their emotions and experiences through visual language.

  • Enhanced Problem-Solving and Coping Skills: The creative process involved in art therapy encourages individuals to think outside the box, developing new ways of approaching problems and managing difficult emotions.

  • Social Support and Connection: Group art therapy sessions can foster a sense of community and connection among participants, allowing young adults to build supportive relationships with their peers.

Whether utilized as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches, art therapy can be an invaluable resource for young adults on their journey toward emotional healing and personal growth.

We've covered various therapy for young adults, including dialectical behavioral therapy, advanced relapse prevention therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and art therapy. Working with a qualified therapist or mental health professional is important to determine which type of therapy is best suited for your needs.


We know that finding the right treatment program can be overwhelming but vital. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so take the time to explore options and find the one that works best for you.


If you need counseling for young adults, don't hesitate to contact us at Cielo Treatment Center, and we'd be glad to support your mental wellness journey.


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