This is a common question that I'm asked, and despite my many tools, my answer is usually the same:
Given that everyone is different and we all have our own ideas about what constitutes personal growth, it stands to reason that some people would benefit from one form of therapy while other people would benefit from another form of therapy.
It is therefore important to understand what your issues are and what you aim to achieve in life before reaching out to the local therapist.
This is why many people prefer to work closely with a multi-skilled and experienced therapist, so they can develop a better understanding of their situation, and map out a path to a happier and healthier life.
There are various forms of therapy, but these forms of therapy are what I most commonly use for personal growth.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Given that a key aim of CBT is to help people to think less in negative terms and more in a positive manner, it is easy to see that this is a form of therapy that can aid people to enjoy life and develop as a person.
A considerable amount of research has been carried out on CBT and the findings indicate that it is an effective form of therapy for many mental health problems and that there is a track record for this form of therapy compared to other forms of therapy.
It may be that CBT has been studied more than other forms of therapy, and of course, every person is unique and different, but there is at least findings which would suggest that if you are looking to develop as a person and to leave problematic or difficult elements in your life behind you, this is a form of therapy that can have a positive impact.
CBT is recognised as being particularly useful for:
•Helping people to overcome depression
•Helping people to overcome feelings of anxiety or panic attacks
•Helping people to overcome phobias or OCD and other disorders
There has been a lot of research done on CBT and it's been shown to work for a variety of mental health problems. However, this doesn't mean that it's better than other therapies, but simply that others may not have been studied as much.
CBT is available in a number of different formats and types. There is a wide range of self-help books and audio material, and it is also possible to meet with a professional and receive one to one assistance. If you are looking to grow as a person and overcome issues that have blighted you or blocked you from reaching your potential, you should find that CBT is well worth considering.
Psychotherapy
While CBT deals with the present and moving forward, psychotherapy focuses on looking back to the past and overcoming problems. This can be a more intense and drawn-out form of therapy in comparison to CBT but for people who have underlying issues preventing them from moving forward in life, it can be a useful way to remove these problems from a person's life.
Research undertaken on the topic indicates that psychotherapy can provide assistance in overcoming depression and in resolving some disorders.
So to answer the question of 'what is the best form of therapy for personal growth?' there isn't one therapy to fit all.
Benjamin Bonetti is the founder of the DNA Coaching Programme and one of the worlds leading authorities within the self-help arena. http://www.benjaminbonetti.com