MANUELA MENENDEZ, PSY.D. PSYCHOANALYST & LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST MIAMI, FLORIDA
  • Welcome
  • Dr. Manuela Menendez
  • Experience & Training
  • Know Yourself- Blog by Dr. M
  • Current Positions
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  • Get In Touch
  • Location of the Office
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  • A Licensed Psychologist?
  • What is psychotherapy?
  • Psychoanalysis?
  • What can psychotherapy treat?
  • What do sessions consist of?
  • How to prepare for first session

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, a therapeutic modality addressing mental disorders, primarily centers on enabling individuals to decipher their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to enhance their overall mental wellness. Psychotherapy encompasses a broad range of subtypes, including, but not limited to, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and humanistic therapy.

Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies share an emphasis on modifying problematic behaviors, emotions, and cognitions by unearthing their unconscious meanings and motivations. The American Psychological Association delineates psychoanalytically oriented treatments as being defined by a strong collaborative partnership between the therapist and the patient.

Psychodynamic therapy, a particular subtype of psychotherapy, seeks to foster in individuals a profound understanding of their emotions and mental processes. This comprehension can subsequently empower them to make more informed and constructive life choices.

Other subtypes of psychotherapy, each with their own unique focus and methodology, add to the rich tapestry of this therapeutic approach. Behavioral therapy targets the transformation of undesirable behaviors, employing principles of learning. Cognitive therapy, on the other hand, assists individuals in recognizing and altering detrimental thought patterns. Humanistic therapy underscores an individual's inherent value and the potential for self-awareness and personal growth.

Crucially, it is worth noting that the different types of psychotherapy do not exist in silos but rather intersect at various junctures. Therapists may employ an integrative approach, drawing upon other psychotherapy techniques as needed to cater to an individual's specific requirements and objectives.

Sources:
https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/approaches
​https://www.verywellmind.com/psychodynamic-therapy-definition-uses-effectiveness-5094933
https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/16-2-types-of-treatment
If you would like more specific information on these types of psychotherapy, please visit
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy.aspx

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Manuela Menendez, Psy.D. FL Licensed PY 8389; All Rights Reserved 2025;  Website Design by Manuela Maria Menendez, Psy.D.: The hiring of a psychotherapist is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. The Manuela Maria Menendez, Psy.D. web site is designed to provide educational information only and is not intended to offer psychological advice. Information contained in this website is not intended to create an doctor-patient relationship, nor does it constitute professional advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with Manuela Maria Menendez, Psy.D. on its own will generate a doctor-patient relationship, nor will it be considered a doctor-patient privileged communication.


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  • Welcome
  • Dr. Manuela Menendez
  • Experience & Training
  • Know Yourself- Blog by Dr. M
  • Current Positions
  • Insurance
  • Get In Touch
  • Location of the Office
  • Confidentiality
  • A Licensed Psychologist?
  • What is psychotherapy?
  • Psychoanalysis?
  • What can psychotherapy treat?
  • What do sessions consist of?
  • How to prepare for first session