Quick Overview: Yes. Therapy can include coping skills and work with thoughts and behaviors a person wants to examine. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may include identifying ways to cope with stress, developing problem-solving strategies, and changing self-defeating behavior patterns. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can focus on developing healthy coping skills and understanding thoughts and behaviors in order to change unhealthy patterns. These sources describe possible elements of therapy and counseling; they do not determine what approach, goals, or outcomes fit a particular person.
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The same source explains that psychotherapy can be used alongside medication or as an alternative to it, depending on a person’s individual needs and medical situation under the guidance of a mental-health professional.
This article focuses on the reader-facing question of whether therapy can address coping skills and patterns a person wants to understand or change. It does not determine what a particular therapist will use, what a specific service will include, or what result a person will experience.
Coping Skills Can Be Part of Therapy
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling are usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope. Its examples include handling the loss of a loved one, drug or alcohol use, or a problem in a relationship.
The National Institute of Mental Health also lists identifying ways to cope with stress as a possible element of psychotherapy. Developing problem-solving strategies is included in that description as well. These are possible elements, rather than a description of every therapy experience.
Coping With Stress Is Named as a Possible Focus
The National Institute of Mental Health identifies difficulty coping with situations at home, school, or work among issues psychotherapy may address. It also describes coping with stress as a possible element of psychotherapy.
The available sources do not prescribe a particular coping skill for a particular concern. They do not specify the order in which topics will be discussed or determine whether a particular strategy fits an individual person.
Problem-Solving Strategies Are Included in NIMH’s Description
The National Institute of Mental Health specifically includes developing problem-solving strategies in its description of possible psychotherapy elements. In the same list, it names examining interactions with others, teaching social and communication skills, applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques, tracking emotions and behaviors, and using supportive counseling to explore troubling issues and receive emotional support.
A therapist may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The source says this can depend on the therapist’s training, the concern being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
Changing Thoughts and Behavior Patterns
The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy as a variety of treatments intended to help people identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It explains that one possible therapy element involves becoming aware of automatic ways of thinking that are inaccurate or harmful, questioning those thoughts, understanding how thoughts affect emotions and behavior, and changing self-defeating behavior patterns.
The National Institute of Mental Health identifies this approach as cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It also notes that many therapies are variations of an established approach.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can help people understand the core cause of their thoughts and behaviors so they can change unhealthy patterns. Its description also states that the goal of most treatments is to change thoughts and behaviors and, when needed, manage physical dependence on drugs or alcohol.
“Unhelpful Patterns” Is a Reader-Facing Phrase
In this article, “unhelpful patterns” is a reader-facing phrase for thoughts or behaviors a person may want to discuss. It is not an assessment of any particular thought, behavior, or person.
The supplied sources use terms including troubling thoughts and behaviors, self-defeating behavior patterns, and unhealthy patterns. A general article cannot decide whether a specific pattern is unhealthy, self-defeating, or something a person should change.
CBT Is One Approach Named by NIMH
The National Institute of Mental Health names CBT in connection with awareness of inaccurate or harmful automatic thoughts, the relationship of thoughts to emotions and behavior, and changing self-defeating behavior patterns. The source also states that there are many types of psychotherapy.
A preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The source suggests asking what approach a therapist will use, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, and what the rationale and evidence base are for that approach.
A Question-Based Reflection Table
| Question for reflection | Notes to bring to a conversation |
|---|---|
| What feels difficult to cope with? | |
| What thoughts or behaviors would I like to understand? | |
| Do I want to ask about coping with stress or problem-solving strategies? | |
| Do I want to ask about a recurring thought or behavior pattern? | |
| What would I like to know about the approach a therapist may use? |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. The practice offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- I want to discuss coping skills and thoughts or behaviors I have noticed. How might you approach those topics?
- What approach might you use for the concerns I describe?
- Do you practice a particular type of therapy?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for the approach you may use?
- How would treatment proceed if we decide to work together?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy include coping skills?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies ways to cope with stress as a possible element of psychotherapy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling are usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope.
Can therapy address recurring thoughts or behaviors?
It can. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can help a person identify and change troubling thoughts and behaviors, including self-defeating behavior patterns. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can help people understand thoughts and behaviors in order to change unhealthy patterns. These sources do not determine what this would involve for a particular person.
Do all therapy approaches use the same elements?
No. The National Institute of Mental Health states that there are many types of psychotherapy. It also states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches, depending on training, the concern being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
What services does Rooted Integrative Therapy list?
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice describes scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Its Connect page also invites inquiries and appointment requests.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
A Grounded Next Step
If you want to ask whether therapy can include coping skills or attention to thoughts and behavior patterns, Rooted Integrative Therapy invites you to use its Connect page to make an inquiry or request an appointment. The practice describes a consultation call as an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.