In Germany, health insurance covers four different types of psychotherapy. Before you go to a trial session, you should check whether you feel comfortable\u00a0with the therapy the specialist offers.<\/p>\n
P<\/strong>sychoanalytic therapy<\/strong>\u00a0was developed based on the teachings of Sigmund Freud. According to his theory, mental illnesses are caused by inner conflicts. Hidden conflicts, often from our childhood, influence our daily life and can lead\u00a0to mental illnesses. Through psychoanalytic therapy, a psychotherapist can help you uncover these repressed feelings and relationships, such as describing your dreams, thoughts, and memories. During sessions, patients typically lie on a couch, and therapy can last several years.<\/p>\n P<\/strong>sychodynamic therapy<\/strong>\u00a0draws on Freud\u2019s theories as well, and also focuses on early experiences and repressed feelings. Sessions usually involve sitting across from your therapist, and treatments last about one year.<\/p>\n B<\/strong>ehavior therapy<\/strong>\u00a0is based on another theory. It assumes that our behavior and our thoughts are influenced by our life experiences. From these experiences we learn and conclude how to behave best. The therapist works with you to identify reasons for your mental problems. Together, you discuss your patterns of thinking and how to change them. As a patient, you are an active part of therapy and you might have to collaborate by practicing learned skills at home. Patients typically sit opposite to your psychotherapist, with one session per week. Treatment usually lasts several months.<\/p>\n S<\/strong>ystemic therapy<\/strong>\u00a0assumes that mental illness can be caused by the way people interact with each other. This type of psychotherapy usually involves your family or partner. The therapist helps you developing solutions for existing conflicts. As a patient, you and your family are empowered to solve conflicts in your daily life. Therapy sessions are usually scheduled for two to three weeks.<\/p>\n