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How to Choose a Therapy Style? 6 Types of Psychotherapy Explained

When considering choosing what kind of therapy is right for you, there are many options. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and nearly impossible to find your ‘right’ fit. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the different types of psychotherapy available to help your journey become a little easier.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral Therapy is an action-focused approach to therapy that relies heavily on how your past affects your present. This is not the traditional idea of therapy where you sit and work through your emotions, but rather you will work to identify and change patterns in your life. Behavioral therapy is a very ‘active’ form of therapy for people who are ready to make long-lasting changes in their everyday lives.

This type of therapy works particularly well for individuals suffering from anxiety, substance abuse, phobias, OCD, ADHD, defiant behaviors, etc.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral therapy is a much more short-term approach to therapy. It is designed to deal with issues in the present and focuses on how an individual thinks and how that directly affects their behavior. This method argues that how we perceive situations determines our reactions. The goal is for clients to change their responses to certain situations in order to establish healthier patterns.

This type of therapy works particularly well for individuals suffering from PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, stress, anger issues, etc.

Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical-behavioral therapy is focused on clients developing skills in order to manage conflict and difficult emotions. There are four core areas this type of psychotherapy focuses on mindfulness, distress, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This method relies on individual therapy sessions as well as group participation. This helps clients stay motivated and practice these skills with others.

This type of therapy works particularly well for individuals suffering from a borderline personality disorder, several types of eating disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, etc.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an adaptation of CBT that focuses on using mindfulness methods to amend negative thoughts and patterns. This method is used when clients are suffering from depression or recurring negative thoughts. This type of therapy is performed in a group setting in which once a week for eight weeks a therapist leads a two-hour session where you learn various meditation techniques to achieve mindfulness. MBCT uses meditation and mindfulness practices to teach clients how to change their relationships with negative thoughts and feelings rather than eliminating them entirely.

This type of therapy works particularly well for individuals suffering from: depression.

Psychodynamic Therapy

The Psychodynamic Therapy approach relies on how your life events and desires affect your current relationships and choices. The goal is that you become more aware of the kinds of everyday compromises you are making, and then overcome those obstacles to lead a happier life. It is the more stereotypical talking therapy. Clients are encouraged to speak freely about whatever is on their mind in order to understand negative thoughts and feelings to create better habits.

This type of therapy works particularly well for individuals suffering from: depression, addiction, social anxiety, eating disorders, and other serious psychological disorders.

Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic Therapy focuses on the importance of being true to yourself in order to lead a happier life. This method is based on the principle that everyone has their own view on the world and makes their own choices for themselves. Humanistic therapy focuses on the whole person in order to understand behaviors and actions. 

This therapy can be broken down into three types:

Gestalt Therapy

Based on the theory that unresolved problems with others lead to distress. This form of therapy is about living in the moment (essentially role-playing) and working through emotions and issues.

Client-Centered Therapy

This type is the “main” type of humanistic therapy. It is concerned with how criticism and disapproval from others changes the way you see yourself. This form provides a client with unconditional support from their therapist so they can talk freely without fear of judgement.

Existential Therapy

This form is more philosophical than its counterparts. It focuses on how your existence affects your worldview and helps you find your meaning of life. The goal is for a client to realize the kind of autonomy they have to make their own choices and reshape current issues in order to live a happier, healthier life.

This type of therapy works particularly well for individuals suffering from: personality disorders, schizophrenia, panic disorders, depression, anxiety, etc.

Family Systems Therapy

Family systems therapy helps individuals deal with issues within his or her family unit. The family members work together to identify problems, understand their dynamics, and learn from each other about how their behaviors are affecting the group. The goal is that everyone works together to solve these issues and understand the domino effect their relationships with one another have. Clients will develop coping mechanisms and a better understanding of one another by participating in this kind of therapy.

This type of therapy works particularly well for any families in conflict.

There are many psychotherapy methods to help you cope with whatever issues you may be facing. The most important element to remember is that you should be very comfortable with the therapist you decide to work with. This is a person you will be vulnerable to and very open with, so make sure you find someone who makes you feel comfortable and understood. While it may be awkward at first, you will build that trust with them and cultivate a successful relationship, no matter what method of psychotherapy you choose.

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