Types of Therapy: From A to Z

Types of Therapy: A-Z Guide

Therapy is a great option to help manage a mental health condition and empower personal growth and well-being. Certain types of therapy can also be beneficial for brief periods during or after certain life events or circumstances. If you’re looking into therapy as an option for you or a loved one, you may have noticed there are several types of therapy and you might be wondering which one is right for you and your goals.

Most evidence-based therapies aim to treat unwanted thoughts or feelings and help the client develop healthier habits and coping skills. The methods used to reach this goal differ among each type of therapy. Evidence-based means the treatment has been studied in randomized controlled trials, has expert consensus on its approach, is illustrated in case studies over time, and in those cases, clinical outcomes have improved due to the treatment. Evidence-based practices are the safest and most effective ways to treat mental health.

Some types of therapy are more effective at treating certain conditions. Depending on an individual's specific needs, a healthcare professional can best recommend an appropriate type of therapy and help you find a specialized therapist to help develop a treatment plan. Additionally, it’s important to note that between 30-70% of therapy outcomes can be explained by "common factors". Common factors are those attributes common to most types of therapy, such as empathy, the therapeutic relationship, or a person's expectation that therapy will be effective.

It’s important to approach treatment for mental health using a wide variety of tools and resources. Navigating the mental health space can seem daunting especially if you are not familiar with the terminology. We hope this guide to the different types of therapy helps you feel more comfortable with some of the terms you might come across. First, we’ll describe a few of the most common types of therapy. You may be familiar with some of them. For a full A-Z list of therapy types, continue to the next section.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a broad term for various therapeutic approaches to treating problematic thoughts, behaviors, or feelings to develop healthier habits and coping skills.¹ Psychotherapy is great for helping people work through what’s keeping them from feeling their best. Psychotherapy might also be referred to as, counseling, talk therapy, or just therapy. Any of the interventions below may also be referred to as "psychotherapy" and psychotherapy can encompass one or more specific types of therapeutic intervention.

What does it help with?

Therapy can help people manage various conditions and support people through stressful or traumatic life events including:

• Long-term or severe stress
• Job loss
• Losing a loved one, grief
• Issues with family members or coworkers
• Major life changes
• Dealing with physical health problems

What can I expect?

Therapy is most effective when the therapist and client together develop a safe, collaborative, environment of rapport and trust. You and your therapist will work together to set treatment goals and identify the steps you should take to reach them. Your therapist might give you ‘homework’ or things to work on between your next session like journaling exercises or breathing techniques.

When following your treatment plan, you should notice a change in your thoughts and emotions. As you complete the goals set, you and your therapist will reevaluate your progress and set new ones. Therapy gets easier as you develop a positive relationship with your therapist and practice the skills you learn. Positive changes don’t happen overnight, but little by little you will begin to feel better.

Common Types of Therapy

Here are some of the most common or well-known therapy types. We discuss how they work, the conditions or situations they are most effective at treating, and what to expect during treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a treatment option for mental health conditions. CBT focuses on the relationship between feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.² CBT teaches you to challenge negative or inaccurate thoughts and restate them in logical, positive terms. CBT can also help you change your routines, habits, and behaviors to improve your mood.

CBT teaches you how to rethink and reevaluate how you see the world. Depression, anxiety, and other problems can be effectively treated through CBT. CBT can typically help someone work through a problem pretty quickly. People can change their thinking, change their actions, and change their lives.

What does it help with?

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people dealing with conditions or experiences such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Eating disorders
• Having negative and irrational thoughts
• Difficult relationships
• Break-ups
• Sickness or death in the family, grief

What can I expect?

In CBT, your therapist will help you practice new ways of approaching unhelpful patterns of thinking, also called cognitive distortions. What we think and what we do can influence how we feel. For instance -- if you have a relationship break up and think: “Nobody will ever love me again” you might be less likely to go out and meet new people, and over time you may become isolated and lonely. That pattern can lead to depression and hopelessness.

Trained CBT therapists teach us to change our thoughts and set goals. A reframing of an unhelpful thought might be something like: “I am really sad that the relationship didn’t work out, but I still have friends and may meet someone else in time.” This kind of thinking can lead to taking simple steps -- like inviting a friend out for coffee, getting involved in a group that shares a hobby or activity you enjoy, or starting a conversation with someone new. After a while, with enough practice both thinking and doing, people can start to improve their mood.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based treatment that addresses people’s ideas about themselves, their world, their emotional pain, and how they cope. DBT was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, and particularly prevent self-harm and chronic suicidality, but it has been found to be helpful for several types of mental health conditions and concerns. DBT is an effective way to help people understand and experience their painful thoughts and feelings while finding helpful ways to cope.³

What does it help with?

• DBT is an effective treatment for people with:
• Borderline personality disorder
• Trauma
• Emotional pain
• Relationships issues
• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harm

What can I expect?

DBT includes several modes of treatment including individual therapy, group therapy, and phone coaching with a therapist between sessions. In sessions, therapists help individuals build skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is typically provided in a structured therapeutic setting, by an experienced, licensed mental health provider.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy or talk therapy in which members of a family attend sessions together. The family group may be as small as two people and may be composed of people who live together or apart. While there are several types of family therapy, the goal is usually to improve communication and connections between family members, resolve conflict, and potentially learn more about each other and each other’s struggles.⁴

What does it help with?

• Families can benefit from family therapy for many reasons and in various circumstances including:
• Supporting a family member with mental or physical illness
• Death and grief in the family
• Unexpected or traumatic family events
• Relationship problems
• Behavior concerns⁵

What can I expect?

At the first appointment, the therapist might explain the ground rules they expect everyone to follow. They may provide you with a form that lists the rules and ask the whole family to honor each one. The therapist will facilitate conversations around things like how you communicate and how you respond when you feel angry with one another. They may assign ‘homework’ or things to work on between sessions, like spending an evening doing a fun activity together. It may not be easy at first, but it provides an opportunity to be honest with each other and work towards a happier, more cohesive family dynamic, together.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where several people attend the same session led by one or more therapists.⁵ These mental health professionals have specialized training in working with groups. The size of a group therapy session varies. Sessions may include a few people to 20 or more. Therapy groups are sometimes designed for individuals with a specific type of concern (for example, people who are coping with divorce or adolescents with anxiety), and other times may have a broader focus (for example, a group focused on teaching and practicing mindfulness skills).

Groups may be referred to as “open” or “closed.” An open group allows individuals to join whenever they are able, while a closed group requires that all participants register and begin attending on the same date. Work with your healthcare provider to find a group that fits your schedule and aligns with your treatment goals.

Group therapy can be beneficial for some people. Participants may feel less alone when they interact with others experiencing similar challenges. Participants can also problem-solve together and share success stories.

What does it help with?

• Group therapy can be helpful for individuals experiencing:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Trauma
• Eating disorders
• Loneliness
• Death and grief
• Addiction
• Relationship and family issues
• Unexpected or big life events

What can I expect?

Some people may be uncomfortable about the thought of sharing their feelings with a group of new people. However, many come to find relief in hearing that other people experience the same challenges that they do and that they are not alone. Over time, people start to feel more comfortable attending group meetings. As they begin sharing thoughts with the group, many feel less alone, or like a weight has lifted off their shoulders. The group learns from each other and shares ways to cope with the ups and downs in life.

If you choose to try group therapy, here are some helpful tips to get the most out of it: Be open and honest with group members. Respect the privacy of others and always maintain confidentiality. Be prepared to listen to others and to support them in their struggles. Remember, they may be having challenges similar to yours. Be patient with the process. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with strangers may feel awkward at first, but over time it will likely become easier and more meaningful.

Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)^5,6

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that is especially helpful for people diagnosed with PTSD or who are experiencing the effects of trauma. EMDR uses bilateral movement or sound while the client recounts the traumatic event(s). During EMDR, a trained therapist works with a person to keep the sessions comfortable and relaxed, but also to achieve the goals they set together. The purpose is to facilitate desensitization to and reprocessing of the event(s). The feeling that a person is stuck in the past can change with EMDR, and it generally doesn’t take that long. People with PTSD can quickly become fully present and live their lives the way they intend.

What does it help with?

• EMDR can help people experiencing from or experiencing:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic events
• Death and grief
• Obsessive or intrusive thoughts

What can I expect?

Relaxation and breathing exercises might be taught early in the sessions so they can be used later. People then talk about the memories that have been most difficult for them. While they are telling the stories of their trauma, they are also watching something right in front of them, such as moving lights or the tip of a pencil being waved back and forth. The repetitive eye movement can be distracting or calming, and telling the story becomes easier. This is desensitization.

Next, the feelings that go with memories of traumatic moments, or years of traumatic moments, can change. Those feelings shift during therapy, and how people think about themselves in relation to their memories can be dramatically different following EMDR. This is reprocessing. The memories start to have far less power than they did before the treatment.

Types of Therapy from A-Z

In addition to the common types of therapy discussed above, there are numerous other therapeutic approaches designed to address specific conditions or mental health concerns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)⁷

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an evidence-based therapy that teaches people that thoughts and feelings can be upsetting, but those thoughts or feelings are only one part of difficult experiences. Distress is a part of the human experience, but it isn’t all of it. This is acceptance. It’s often hard for people to identify their feelings in a moment of distress therefore ACT includes mindfulness activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, and other techniques that can increase awareness.

People also identify their most important values which serve as a guide in working through problems. When behaviors are connected with values, it’s then easier to commit to changing those behaviors. With practice, difficult situations and feelings, like sadness or anger often change because the person has decided to act in a way that is in line with his or her values. Feeling stuck, sad, angry, or anxious in hard situations doesn’t need to define or limit you. With ACT, these feelings can become a *part* of your life. And then? You can change.

Applied Behavioral Analysis⁸

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a therapeutic approach designed to improve specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, and learning, primarily used with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is a versatile therapy that can be tailored to fit the individual needs of each person. It often involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps and using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.

This is an evidence-based therapy, with progress monitored and analyzed regularly to adjust techniques as needed. A qualified and trained behavior analyst (BCBA) designs and directly oversees treatment. Often ABA assistants will work with the individual in their own environment (such as home or school) several times per week to reinforce behavior changes through repeated practice. ABA aims to develop skills that promote independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD. ABA is also effective in helping individuals with ASD to manage unsafe or disruptive behaviors.

Art Therapy⁹

Art therapists, trained in art and psychological theory, use creative outlets to help clients express themselves in ways beyond words or language. Art therapy uses creative processes, like drawing, painting, and sculpting, to help individuals express themselves and explore their emotions in addition to talking like in traditional talk therapy.

Art therapists work with people of all ages and help people experiencing a variety of mental health concerns and behavioral challenges. By focusing on the creative process rather than the final product, art therapy helps individuals uncover hidden emotions, develop self-awareness, and improve coping skills. Because art therapy is focused on the process, not the product, art therapy can be useful even for those who have no formal art training or do not consider themselves "artistic”. According to research, art therapy can help relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It can also assist in managing pain by shifting mental focus away from the painful stimulus. Finally, art therapy can be used as a communication and expression tool for children with autism.

Biofeedback¹⁰

Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that teaches individuals to consciously influence physiological functions, such as heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle responses, using real-time feedback from monitoring devices. The monitoring devices, connected to you with sticky electrical pads, measure bodily processes and brainwave activity. It is not painful at all.

Biofeedback is used to facilitate relief from conditions like chronic pain, migraines, hypertension, and nervousness or stress. Through this therapy, individuals learn to recognize their body's signals (sweat production, heart rate, breathing pace, muscle tension, and temperature) when they have certain thoughts and use relaxation techniques or mental exercises to regulate these functions, promoting better health and well-being.

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)¹¹

CAMS is an evidence-based treatment, focused on reducing suicide risk. The word collaborative is at the heart of this type of intervention. The clinician guides the process, but your autonomy and input will be valued and prioritized at every step of the treatment process.

CAMS is considered a “person-focused” type of therapy, and in certain aspects of assessment and treatment planning, you will be in the driver’s seat, while your clinician is the navigator. CAMS is a comprehensive way of identifying what needs to be addressed to help keep you stable, lower your risk of suicide, and reduce the need for hospitalization which is an overt goal of CAMS.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)¹²

CPT is an evidence-based treatment that teaches people to notice how trauma has changed their lives, especially how it changes their thoughts about themselves, other people, and the world around them. CPT works especially well for treating PTSD.

For example, it’s pretty common for someone who has experienced a traumatic event to think things like “I shouldn’t have been there,” or “No place is safe.” These thoughts can bring up fear, sadness, or anger, sometimes to the point where people start to drink, use drugs, or avoid other people or situations in life. In CPT, people notice these thoughts, take a look at whether they are true, and consider other ways to think. So, “I shouldn’t have been there” might turn into, “I really didn’t know it was going to happen, and I made the best decisions I could at the time.” Or, “I’m not safe” might become “You know, some things in the world aren’t safe, but lots of people and places are.”Thinking influences how we feel, but we can consider and change the way we think about hard things that happen in our lives.

Existential Therapy¹³

Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It explores the human condition, focusing on themes such as meaning, mortality, isolation, and freedom. This therapy helps clients confront existential anxieties and uncertainties, encouraging them to find meaning and purpose in their lives despite life's inherent challenges.

Techniques include open dialogue and exploration of one's values and beliefs to foster self-awareness and personal growth. Existential therapy is particularly useful for individuals facing life transitions, existential crises, or feelings of emptiness and meaninglessness. It aims to empower clients to live authentically and make conscious, meaningful choices.

Exposure Therapy¹⁴

Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment used to help individuals confront and reduce their fears and anxieties. The therapy involves gradual and repeated exposure to the feared object or situation in a controlled environment, helping the individual to become less sensitive over time.

There are a few different approaches to exposure therapy. Some techniques include in vivo exposure (real-life confrontation), imaginal exposure (visualizing the feared object), and interoceptive exposure (inducing physical sensations of fear). Exposure therapy is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, phobias, PTSD, and OCD, helping individuals gain control over their fears and improve their quality of life.

Gestalt Therapy¹⁵

Gestalt therapy is a holistic and integrative approach to therapy that emphasizes personal empowerment and focuses on the present moment. Developed by Fritz Perls, It encourages clients to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions and how these are connected to their environment.

Techniques include role-playing, guided fantasy, and body awareness exercises. Gestalt therapy aims to help individuals understand and integrate their experiences, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Holistic therapy^{16, 17}

Holistic therapy is an integrative approach that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on symptoms. It combines traditional and alternative therapies, such as breathwork, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and nutrition counseling, to promote overall well-being. It is said that Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher, laid the groundwork for holistic therapy. Though the practice of holistic therapy has existed for centuries, it’s only recently that Western therapists have begun integrating it into their toolbox.

As more research around holistic medicine practices comes about, more practitioners begin to integrate holistic approaches into their styles of therapy. Holistic therapy aims to address the root causes of issues and foster balance in all areas of life. While more research is needed, some peer-reviewed research suggests various holistic and complementary treatments can help improve overall mental well-being and effectively address issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain.

Humanistic therapies¹³

Humanistic therapies focus on acceptance, personal growth, and self-actualization, emphasizing the individual's capacity for self-healing and fulfillment. Key approaches include person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, and existential therapy, which explores life's meaning and challenges.

These therapies encourage clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a non-judgmental, empathetic environment. The goal is to help individuals utilize their innate strengths and potential to achieve growth and healing., addressing issues like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Hypnotherapy^{18, 19}

Hypnotherapy, also called clinical hypnosis, is a practice that uses hypnosis to help individuals achieve a heightened state of focus and achieve a state of relaxation. The state of hypnosis, also referred to as a trance, allows people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and memories more openly.

Hypnotherapy can be used to manage pain, reduce stress, and treat various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. This method is conducted by a trained hypnotherapist and is considered a complementary therapy, often used alongside other treatments. Despite media portrayals or hypnosis in entertainment, during hypnotherapy, the individual remains in full control of their own thoughts and behaviors. Rather, through hypnosis, they achieve a more relaxed and focused state during which they may be more open to integrating new thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Integrative therapy²⁰

Integrative therapy combines techniques from various therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment to the individual needs of the client. Integrative therapies may draw on methods from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and other therapies to address complex and multifaceted issues. Integrative approaches to therapy are not "one" type of therapy. Rather, integrative therapists draw upon a variety of techniques and interventions from various types of therapy to address an individual's specific needs and goals.

The goal is to provide a more flexible and personalized treatment plan that can adapt to the changing and unique needs of the client. Integrative therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)²¹

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy views individuals as composed of various inner parts, both protective and wounded, led by a core Self. This Self is inherently present and cannot be damaged, possessing innate healing abilities.

IFS is an evidence-based psychotherapy that facilitates healing by helping people access and understand their inner parts through their core Self. Beyond clinical use, IFS promotes personal growth and healthy relationships by embodying qualities such as confidence, compassion, and creativity. It is applicable in diverse fields, including education, coaching, and mediation.

Interpersonal therapy²²

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, grief, loneliness, and stress. It is based on the idea that personal relationships play a crucial role in emotional well-being and utilizes the relationship between the therapist and the client to identify and improve relationship patterns. It focuses on current problems in a client's life rather than developmental issues or problems stemming from childhood.

IPT involves exploring relationship patterns, resolving conflicts, and improving communication skills. The therapy typically lasts 12-16 weeks and is structured around addressing specific issues, such as grief, role transitions, and interpersonal disputes.

Jungian therapy²³

Jungian therapy, based on the theories of Carl Jung, explores the unconscious mind to uncover hidden thoughts and desires that influence behavior. It involves techniques like dream analysis, active imagination, and exploring archetypes. There are 4 stages of Jungian therapy—confessions, elucidation, education, and transformation—and 4 major archetypes or ideas that Jung believes shape human experiences—the self, the shadow, the anima/animus, and the persona.

Rooted in the idea that true mental health comes from a harmonized balance between the conscious mind and the unconscious psyche, the goal is to achieve individuation, a process of integrating different parts of the personality to become a whole and self-aware individual. Jungian therapy, also known as analytical psychology, is used to address deep-seated psychological issues, personal growth, and understanding of the self.

Logotherapy²⁴

Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, focuses on finding meaning in life as the primary motivational force. This empirically-based therapy promotes freedom of choice and personal responsibility. Frankle believed that the quest for meaning is key to mental health and human success.

The core principles help individuals confront and overcome existential crises, such as feelings of emptiness or purposelessness. Techniques include exploring personal values, setting meaningful goals, and reflecting on past experiences to uncover life's meaning. Logotherapy is used to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, and other existential concerns, promoting resilience and a sense of purpose.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)²⁵

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), now called Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), is an evidence-based therapy, which means it’s an effective way to treat opioid use disorder. MOUD is medically supervised and uses prescribed medications to reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal and/or prevent individuals from experiencing highs from opioids.. Some of these medications have a similar effect on the brain and body as opioids do, but they aren’t as habit-forming or dangerous. Common medications used in MOUD include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Using these medications is not risk-free, but, when taken as prescribed under a doctor’s care, they are safe and effective.

MOUD sometimes includes counseling or some other type of substance use treatment program, but not always. The most important part of MOUD is to take the prescribed medication as directed. This has been shown to save lives and help break the cycle that makes a person feel so dependent on a drug. There are many paths to recovery including those that don’t use medication, but MOUD is an appropriate and effective choice for many.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)²⁶

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with mindfulness strategies. Initially developed to treat people with recurrent depression, it has since been used to treat various mental health conditions.

It teaches clients to recognize and disengage from negative thought patterns by focusing on the present moment. MBCT involves mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and cognitive restructuring. It helps individuals develop a more balanced and accepting attitude towards their thoughts and feelings, reducing the risk of relapse with depression or other psychiatric conditions.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)²⁷

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn that uses mindfulness meditation to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.

MBSR involves practices such as body scanning, mindful breathing, and yoga. The goal is to increase awareness of the present moment and develop a non-judgmental attitude towards one's experiences. MBSR has been shown to improve psychological well-being and physical health.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)²⁸

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive approach designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal. It is often recommended as an evidence-based approach to behavior change and is frequently used in the treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders.

Motivational Interviewing involves exploring and resolving ambivalence, building readiness for change, and strengthening commitment to change. Techniques include open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and learning the language of change. This therapy can be effective for people with substance abuse disorder, promoting healthy lifestyle changes, and managing chronic diseases by empowering clients to take control of their behavior.

Music Therapy²⁹

Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Techniques include playing instruments, songwriting, listening to music, and guided imagery. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, enhance communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.

It is used in various settings in combination with other medical and psychological interventions, including hospitals, schools, and mental health facilities, to support individuals dealing with stress, trauma, developmental disorders, and neurological conditions. Music therapists design personalized sessions to meet the specific goals and needs of each client.

Narrative Therapy³⁰

Narrative therapy focuses on helping individuals reshape their narratives or stories by encouraging them to view themselves as separate from their problems and/or destructive behaviors. It involves separating the person from their problems, identifying dominant and alternative stories, and exploring the impact of these stories on their life.

This therapy is designed to empower clients by enabling them to view their lives from different perspectives, fostering a sense of agency and resilience. Narrative therapy is effective for treating a variety of issues, including trauma, depression, and relationship difficulties.

Object Relations Therapy³¹

Object relations therapy is based on the theory that how someone was raised, who raised them, and what they learned from their caretakers influences their psychological development. It involves exploring past relationships and how they impact current interpersonal dynamics and self-perception. The overarching goal is to help people better understand how they engage with the world and why they engage with the world the way they do.

This type of therapy aims to help individuals understand and resolve internal conflicts stemming from early childhood experiences. Object relations therapy is used to treat a range of mental health issues, including personality disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Person-Centered Therapy³²

Person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, is a humanistic approach that emphasizes the client's innate capacity for self-healing and personal growth. It involves providing a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore and share their feelings and experiences.

Also called Rogerian therapy, this type of therapy operates on the belief that the client is inherently driven toward growth. The therapist acts as a facilitator rather than a director, helping clients find their own solutions and realize their full potential. This therapy is designed to enhance self-esteem, reduce anxiety, help interpersonal problems, treat mental health disorders, and improve overall well-being. While Person-Centered Therapy can be applied as a primary intervention, the tenets and techniques of Rogerian person-centered therapy are also frequently incorporated by therapists for a wide variety of therapeutic interventions.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)³³

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs that lead to emotional distress. It involves challenging these beliefs and replacing them with more rational, adaptive thoughts.

REBT aims to help individuals develop a healthier and more realistic outlook on life, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. Techniques include cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and homework assignments to reinforce new thinking patterns.

Play Therapy³⁴

Play therapy uses play as a means for children to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and therapeutic environment. It involves using toys, games, art, and storytelling to help children process emotions and resolve psychological issues.

Play therapy encompasses a wide range of interventions and approaches to treatment. In many cases, the modality of play is combined with the interventions of other evidence-based treatments (such as person-centered therapy, exposure therapy, or CBT). Play therapy is designed to address a variety of developmental and emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, behavioral problems, and social difficulties. Through play, children can explore their problems, develop coping skills, and improve communication.

Prolonged Exposure (PE)³⁵

Prolonged Exposure is an evidence-based therapy that works especially well for treating PTSD.

During PE, the person with PTSD tells the story of the trauma from memory. This can feel very upsetting in the beginning, but because the story is being told to a trusted therapist, it becomes easier over time. The person repeats the story, and eventually, the memory becomes less powerful.

In another part of PE, people practice situations that feel dangerous but probably aren’t. Maybe this is a crowded restaurant, or driving through a neighborhood. Whatever people avoid because of how they feel, they practice facing as part of PE. This doesn’t mean people enjoy driving in rush hour traffic or being in crowds, but those things no longer feel too dangerous to do.

By retelling a difficult memory and practicing being in places that feel dangerous, people tend to re-adjust to their lives. They start to feel at home in the world again, rather than being on guard and reluctant to be around other people. Those who have been drinking or using substances to manage are often able to cut down their use. People start to go out, resuming their lives and relationships again.

Psychedelic Therapy^36,37

Recent research has revealed promising results concerning the role of psychedelic medications in the treatment of behavioral health disorders, such as chronic depression, PTSD, and addiction.

However, there is still much to learn about what these medications do and how they work. Most importantly, research is still being conducted to better understand how to administer them safely and how to mitigate the risks that they may pose. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional before proceeding with psychedelic therapy.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)³⁸

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented and short-term therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and building on a client’s strengths and resources. It involves setting specific, achievable goals and developing strategies to achieve them.

SFBT is designed to empower clients by helping them envision a desired future and identifying the steps needed to achieve it. This therapy is effective for a wide range of issues, including relationship problems, stress, and depression. Notably, SFBT can be implemented in as few as one session, making it an ideal intervention in settings and populations where engagement in longer-term therapies is a challenge.

Somatic Therapy³⁹

Somatic therapy (also called somatic experiencing) focuses on the connection between the mind and body, addressing the physical manifestations of psychological trauma and stress. It involves techniques such as body awareness, movement, and breathing exercises to release tension and promote healing.

Somatic therapy is designed to help individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being. This approach is particularly effective for trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress.

Strategic Family Therapy⁴⁰

Strategic family therapy is a short-term approach aimed at creating positive structural and behavioral changes within the family. It targets specific problems and uses practical strategies to address them.

This therapy is particularly effective for families with children who exhibit behavioral issues, focusing on improving family dynamics and interactions. Therapists use directives and tasks to help families develop healthier ways of relating to one another.

Structural Family Therapy⁴¹

Structural family therapy examines the relationships, boundaries, and hierarchies within the family unit. It focuses on adjusting and strengthening direct interactions among family members to facilitate positive change.

The core principle is that, with the guidance of a therapist, families can discover new ways to resolve their problematic interactions. This therapy is used to address issues such as family conflicts, communication problems, and behavioral issues in children.

Systematic Desensitization^{42, 43}

Systematic desensitization is a type of behavioral and exposure therapy used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. It involves gradually exposing the individual, in real life or their imagination, to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner while teaching relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.

The goal is to reduce the fear response and help the individual build confidence in facing the feared stimulus. This therapy is effective for conditions like specific phobias, social anxiety, and PTSD.

Summary

With so many types of mental health therapy available, it's clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional well-being. Whether you're drawn to traditional talk therapy, somatic practices, or creative modalities, the important thing is to consider your own unique needs and preferences and find a therapist you feel comfortable working with. Each therapeutic method offers unique benefits, and exploring different options can help you discover the most effective path to healing and personal growth. If you're considering therapy, remember that the right support is out there—find the approach that suits your needs.