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15 types of therapy to know + how to find the best one for you.

Therapy is a transformative journey where you can dive into your interior world and gently unpack your story. Making the decision to engage in a deeper relationship with yourself is a positive step forward to manage your well-being and mental health effectively. Before you decide on a therapist , it could be useful first to understand some of the different types of therapies out there to choose the right one for you. 

Read on for a list of common therapeutic approaches, how they work, and how to choose the modality that will best ensure you'll feel meaningfully seen and heard. 

Psychodynamic therapy

"Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in traditional psychoanalysis, and it tends to focus on the roots of emotional suffering that is usually found in the formation years and our early experiences with our caregivers," licensed psychologist Lydiana Garcia, Ph.D., tells mbg. 

How it works:

Psychodynamic therapy works by talking in-depth about the external things that make up your life: your day, dreams, childhood, and how your past may be influencing your current behaviors. By gaining a greater understanding of your unconscious motivations and the true reasons behind your actions, you can choose how you want to react healthier.

"It strives to help clients increase self-reflection and self-examination and thus improve their ability to relate to others, make choices and create a life they would like to live," Garcia defines. 

What it's good for: 

The evidence-based talk therapy would be well suited to you if you're looking to surface repressed emotions and if you feel chronically sad and lost in life. By free-associating your thoughts out loud, your therapist can help you become aware of your patterns.

The therapy can help those with depression, anxiety, mental disorders, and stress ailments. Treatment can either be short term and last under a year or be something more long term, which could be longer than a year. 

RELATED: The Best Online Therapy Services Of 2023

Cognitive-behavioral therapy 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that aims to challenge cognitive distortions present in your thinking and find better ways to cope and manage your stress through problem-solving. It's predicated on the idea that your thoughts create your reality, so you can shift them to feel better. 

"[CBT] tends to focus on changing behaviors, usually maladaptive behaviors. Some of their techniques include identifying the factors that contribute to the maladaptive behaviors to remove them, and 'learning' new ones," Garcia says. It aims to modify maladaptive behaviors such as passive-aggressiveness, withdrawal, avoidance, daydreaming, etc., by replacing them with healthier and constructive ways of coping.

CBT is a time-based intervention and can last between 12 and 20 sessions for those with depression, anxiety, somatic issues, eating disorders, substance abuse problems, relationship issues, and severe mental illnesses. A CBT therapist will teach you constructive strategies to break you out of your negative thought patterns and thus deal with your problems productively. The behavioral therapy emphasizes the use of a host of techniques to be assertive, positively manage stress, and build confidence and resilience.

Humanistic therapy

"Humanistic therapy is a psychological perspective that focuses on the whole individual, including their sense of purpose/potential and well-being. It takes into consideration what happened in someone's life but also focuses on the potential of changing it," Garcia says. 

How it works: 

Humanistic therapy parallels the gestalt, present-oriented approach. The talk therapy doesn't focus as much on past events as it does on your active participation with the current moment. Your therapist helps you empathetically validate your perspective while also offering you a safe space to reconnect to your true identity. 

If you believe your lack of self-acceptance is blocking you from having the life you want, humanistic therapy may be for you. It's a positive form of therapy that seeks to support and draw out your unique, individual nature. The humanistic approach aims to nurture you toward self-actualization with the belief that you have all of the innate wisdom you need.

This approach helps those seeking treatment for addictions, personality disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, worthlessness, and schizophrenia. You can set your own goals and decide whether short-term or long-term therapy is right for you. 

RELATED: Online Therapy Services That Take Insurance 2023

Dialectical behavioral therapy 

"Dialectic [behavioral] therapy (DBT) is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy and integrates mindfulness, communication, and interpersonal skills; distress tolerance; and regulating emotions," Garcia defines. The core concept of dialectical thinking is being comfortable with the notion that two simultaneous opposing ideas can co-exist and be truthful at the same time, thus validating the contrasting emotional thoughts. 

DBT is a form of psychosocial therapy that isn't so much about talking as it is about "doing." Your therapist helps you learn how to feel OK around uncomfortable thoughts so you don't have to resort to destructive behavior, increasing your overall emotional competency and flexibility. On top of attending sessions, you'll be implementing your lessons in real life through role-play and homework assignments to cultivate skills such as mindfulness and self-soothing. 

What it's good for:

DBT is often very effective if you're suffering from suicidal thoughts, borderline personality disorder (BPD), or self-harm issues, but it can also be useful for those with less severe cases. If your emotions feel intensely outsized and hard to get under control, dialectical therapy can be very balancing.

It centers you in the here and now by leaning on mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, acceptance of what is, and increasing your comfort to distress. Completing treatment is broken down into modules and can take anywhere between six months and over a year. 

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Exposure therapy

"Exposure therapy is a type of treatment that is rooted in behavioral therapy to help people confront their fears and decrease post-traumatic symptoms," Garcia says. This type of therapy is about facing your fears and has roots in cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

If you're scared or anxious about something, it's likely you may avoid whatever might be inspiring your agitation. Through therapy, your therapist will create a safe environment to expose you to the very things that you're trying to get away from, which disrupts your avoidance patterns as the new learned behaviors move you toward lessened fear.

By repeated exposure, it helps reduce phobias and your circumscribed behaviors. It can be paced through hierarchical exposure from least difficult to the most difficult fears or systematic desensitization, which combines relaxation techniques to the situation to associate calmness to the trigger. 

Exposure therapy works to relieve conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and phobic disorders. Undergoing a full course of exposure therapy can be fairly quick. Depending on the depth of your fears and how you respond to the program, it can take anywhere between a few weeks and more than 20 sessions. 

Interpersonal therapy

"[Interpersonal therapy] is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective for treating mood disorders. It focuses on becoming aware and changing interpersonal dynamics/skills that are contributing to the mood disorder," Garcia says. 

Interpersonal therapy is an attachment-focused and person-based form of psychotherapy. Your therapist works as a nonjudgmental guide to help you improve your relational problems so you can better manage your social functioning and interpersonal relationships. It can take place one-to-one or in a group setting. 

Interpersonal therapy is time-limited (up to 12 to 16 sessions) and is empirically validated to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders and other areas such as life changes, substance abuse, anxiety, postpartum depression, eating disorders, depression, grief, and difficulty starting and sustaining relationships. 

Mentalization-based therapy

Mentalizing literally means to be aware of your own mind and other people's minds. In a study published in Psychoanalytic Inquiry 1 , researchers note that mentalization-based therapy (MBT) is the process in which "we make sense of each other and ourselves, implicitly and explicitly, in terms of subjective states and mental processes." As you move in the world, it's natural to focus on yourself, but it can negatively affect one's life if you're unable to identify your internal dialogue or how other people are thinking and feeling in relation to you. 

Your therapist will work with you to acknowledge your emotions to decrease impulsivity and instability in yourself and, subsequently, your relationships. Learning self-regulation and healthy emotional expression are key tenets in the framework. Your therapist functions as a secure therapeutic attachment as you gain more insight into your mental processes and explore your interpretations of behaviors around you. 

MBT was initially developed for borderline and antisocial personality disorders but can also treat substance abuse, eating disorders, and depression.

Some research (such as this paper published in 2 World Psychiatry 2 ) notes its effectiveness for people with early abandonment issues or who didn't grow up in a securely attached household. The treatment program varies depending on your symptoms, but it usually ranges for up to 18 months. 

RELATED: The 5 Best Online Therapy Services For Teens

Mindfulness-based therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT) intertwines cognitive-behavioral techniques together with mindfulness and breathwork to bring awareness to your present moment. The intervention focuses on observing distressing emotions nonjudgmentally and separating your sense of self from negative messages to stave off depression. 

Research published in 3 Mindfulness 3 notes MBCT is generally in a group setting, but it's also possible to do it individually with a therapist. Your therapist will help you sit through the overwhelming, charged emotions you may feel as you develop positive thought patterns. Along with weekly sessions, there will be homework and meditation exercises to incorporate your new coping skills into your daily life. 

The study above shows MBCT may be highly effective for treating chronic unhappiness, depression, stress, anxiety, physical pain, and mood disorders. Instead of eliminating sources of pain, this approach teaches you to find relief by recognizing you can feel difficult emotions but it doesn't have to define you. The program is typically known to last for eight weeks. 

Somatic psychotherapy

"Somatic psychotherapy is a type of body-centered therapy that works great for treating trauma and similar issues. There are many different models and styles, but in general, they focus on helping people become aware of the interconnection of their body-mind-brain behavior," Garcia says. 

This type of alternative therapy works off the notion that talk therapy can only address a part of previous traumas. Somatic psychotherapy seeks to also look at your physical body and how it can hold on to stress. Therefore, the emphasis is on moving through pent-up feelings and blending together different holistic approaches to fit your specific needs. Your therapist will bring up past traumatic experiences and help you notice and feel the physical responses as you go through the uneasiness. Somatic psychotherapy teaches you concepts such as self-regulation, grounding, boundary development, and movement. 

This modality can address a wide range of psychological and physical mental health issues like stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, trauma, abuse, dysfunctional relationships, and sexual function.

It helps you bridge your mind and body for proper integration and may incorporate physical therapies like dance, yoga, meditation, and breathwork to help clear your mind and heal. The length of treatment varies from person to person. 

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Marriage and family therapy

"Typically, couples' therapy involves talking through relationship challenges as a couple with a neutral party (your therapist) who is trained to help you get to the bottom of the issue," marriage therapist Linda Carroll, LMFT, previously told mbg. 

Your therapist will be there as an unbiased mediator to observe your dynamic and hear out your ongoing fights and present pain points. During the process, it's paramount that both people can be vulnerable and commit to being fully seen, no matter how uncomfortable or ugly it may seem.

As your therapist hears both of your perspectives out, they will point out any limiting beliefs and encourage active listening to push your relationship toward its fullest potential. Outside of ongoing therapy, your therapist may assign you homework in between sessions. 

It's helpful for all couples during any stage. There's value in seeing couples' therapy as relationship maintenance to learn how to improve communication, navigate life changes, and see each other more clearly. Carroll notes most people go to couples' therapy when the relationship is on life support and they're looking for repair, but "a healthy relationship is a skill set. Most of us don't learn these skills growing up, so we just expect love to carry us through. But it isn't enough. That said, love combined with skills usually is enough." The length of couples' therapy ranges but can typically take a few months or years to work through issues. 

Group therapy 

"Group therapy is therapy delivered in a small-group setting. Group therapy is incredibly helpful to connect you with others who are experiencing similar challenges. It can be done on its own or also in combination with individual therapy," says licensed psychologist Lisette Sanchez, Ph.D.

"There are different types of therapy groups. Most groups require a prior meeting with the therapist(s) facilitating the group. Groups may have a set duration, four to 12 weeks, or may have ongoing availability," Sanchez further explains. A therapist will lead discussions as the group chimes in with perspective and experiences. Engaging in group therapy can be incredibly cathartic as you share your personal stories and develop new skills to relate to others.

Group therapy treats many mental illnesses and has a lot of efficacy around family problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , depression, anxiety, panic disorders, eating disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and substance abuse. It can be affirming to be around people who are going through similar afflictions, so you don't feel alone. If you're looking for interpersonal support, a sense of belonging, and a sounding board to better understand yourself, group therapy may be for you. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy 

Research suggests that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing psychotherapy 4 (EMDR) is an empirically validated treatment for trauma in processing negative life experiences. It facilitates the processing of unprocessed and otherwise inaccessible memories. (You can read more about EMDR here .)

EMDR works in phases and specifically looks at childhood events rather than present stressors. Your clinician will develop a treatment plan by learning about your history and the level of your emotional distress.

Then they will teach you stress reduction techniques so you can feel equipped down the road to sit with disturbing images related to your memories and undergo bilateral stimulation, which can be eye movements or taps. It works by feeling those tough emotions and installing positive beliefs over negative beliefs. 

Clinical applications show it may help with psychological problems such as stress-induced physical disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), complicated grief, dissociation, substance abuse, eating disorders, panic, and anxiety. EMDR is a time-based intervention and depending on the traumatic memories you're looking to address, it can take between three and 12 sessions or more. 

RELATED: Betterhelp Review, From Someone Who's Been In Therapy For Years

Internal family system

A 2011 case study 5 defines internal family system (IFS) as a form of therapy that works to regulate shame and facilitate a whole relationship with yourself through internal compassion. Research published in the  6 Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy 6 posits that the natural state of the mind contains multiple, subpersonalities that "contain valuable qualities and abilities but are forced from their naturally vulnerable states by traumas or attachment injuries. Some are forced into protective roles, and others are locked away inside the mind such that people no longer have access to them." The goal is to become comfortable with those inner parts and integrate them. 

Your therapist will help you understand your subpersonalities and assist you in creating a cohesive relationship with those autonomous parts to move toward a cohesive, unchanging core self. One study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology 7 notes that while psychotherapy is usually about changing unwanted behaviors, emotions, or thoughts, IFS instead fosters radical acceptance of all parts, no matter how destructive or shameful. 

It can treat a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, phobias, panic, post-trauma stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, eating disorders, and physical health conditions. The length varies depending on your specific concerns and your acclimation to the model. 

Family therapy

The Mayo Clinic defines family therapy as a type of psychotherapy that addresses underlying issues that affect the psychological health of the family. It helps improve communication by understanding dynamic relationships within the family system and tackle conflicts in a manageable way. 

Your therapist will teach you tools to resolve problems effectively while identifying issues with family roles and behavior patterns that may contribute to those issues. It can corral the entire family together to support each other beneficially. 

It's useful in bringing several members of the family together to explore thoughts, emotions, and conflict in a safe setting. Family therapy is often short-term and can generally take 12 sessions. It depends on your therapist's recommendations and your family situation. Some common problem areas are communication, economic hardship, anger, addiction, depression, medical issues, and tragedy. 

Art therapy

Art therapy 8 uses the creative process of art-making as an avenue for self-expression to examine your emotions and inner experiences. Through the process, it aims to enhance mental well-being and gain greater insight into who you are as an individual.

By using creative expression, your therapist will help encourage exploration into your creative sides and often interpret the creative results. There are many artistic mediums you can use in art therapy such as coloring, drawing, painting, photography, doodling, collaging, sculpting, music, dance, pottery, and more. 

Research published in the journal Procedia 9 notes people living with mental illnesses often use art and drawings as a way to visually communicate and unload their emotions. If it's hard for you to name and verbally express your feelings, art therapy can help you meaningfully engage your mind, understand yourself better, and share thoughts—to help resolve ongoing conflicts in your life.

Art therapy has been used to treat anxiety, learning disabilities, depression, emotional difficulties, stress, brain injuries, psychological symptoms, psychosocial issues, stress, substance abuse, and more. 

RELATED: Here's How To Actually Use "Therapy Speak"

How do you know which therapy is right for you? 

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"The right therapy for you will be a combination of what you are wanting to work on, what the therapist specializes in, and the relationship you develop with your therapist. My biggest recommendation is that after you find several therapists that meet your criteria, schedule a consultation or a couple of sessions to get to know them and see if you feel the connection," Garcia says. She also notes that developing a safe relationship with your therapist is the most important thing to keep in mind on your search. "If you cannot connect with a therapist, they can have the best skills, but the therapy may not be that helpful." 

"There are many therapeutic modalities. There are many benefits to each, and it is about finding the right fit. Overall, the biggest predictor of success in therapy is the client-therapist relationship ," Sanchez affirms. It is best to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you feel connected to."

What's more, depending on your unique identity and the nuances of your background, it can be imperative to talk to prospective therapists about how they handle cultural sensitivities like sexuality, race, gender, religion, privilege, and how that may intersect with your personal belief and value systems. Garcia points out: "For communities that have been marginalized, it is important to look for therapists that are for liberation and that are not upholding supremacy standards."  

The bottom line.

There are so many different therapeutic approaches to choose from, including these 15 popular modalities. However, the most important thing is finding the method that works best for you. "Sometimes, it takes time to explore and learn about what you might like. If it is not working for you, I recommend you have a conversation with your therapist. Explain the concerns you have, they may be able to offer additional guidance," Sanchez says. 

If one therapeutic approach doesn't work for you, take it as an invitation to try another type to see if that resonates. It's crucial you feel OK expressing yourself freely and honestly. Once you find the right therapist to manage your anxieties and challenge your emotional issues with, commit to then seeing the process through. 

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4467231/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2816926/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5107193/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21847894/
• https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-319-49425-8_199
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23813465/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124538/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811022312?via%3Dihub

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Homework in CBT

Table of contents, why do homework in cbt, how to deliver homework, strategies to increase confidence.

Homework assignments in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help your patients educate themselves further, collect thoughts, and modify their thinking.

Homework is not something that you just assign randomly. You should make sure you:

• tailor the homework to the patient
• provide a rationale for why the patient needs to do the homework
• uncover any obstacles that might prevent homework from being done (i.e. - busy work schedule, significant neurovegetative symptoms)

Types of homework

Types of homework assignments.

You should also decide the frequency of the homework should be assigned: should it be daily, weekly?

If your patient does not do homework, that’s OK! Explore as a team, in a non-judgmental way, to explore why the homework was not done. Here are some ways to increase adherence to homework:

• Tailor the assignments to the individual
• Provide a rationale for how and why the assignment might help
• Determine the homework collaboratively
• Try to start the homework during the session. This creates some momentum to continue doing the homework
• Set up systems to remember to do the assignments (phone reminders, sticky notes
• It is better to start with easier homework assignments and err on the side of caution
• They should be 90-100% confident they will be able to do this assignment
• Covert rehearsal - running through a thought experiment on a situation
• Change the assignment - It is far better to substitute an easier homework assignment that patients are likely to do than to have them establish a habit of not doing what they had agreed to in session
• Intellectual/emotional role play - “I’ll be the intellectual part of you; you be the emotional part. You argue as hard as you can against me so I can see all the arguments you’re using not to read your coping cards and start studying. You start.”

Therapy Types and Modalities

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

While most types of therapy have a lot in common, they also fall into clusters that share core features, such as cognitive therapies or psychodynamic approaches. For many people, "What kind of therapist do I need?" is their first thought when looking into mental health care. It is important to seek someone who practices evidence-based therapy, meaning one or more forms of treatment that have been scientifically evaluated and tested, and demonstrate consistent improvement for a majority of patients.

For a list of different approaches to therapy, see Types of Therapy .

On This Page

• What therapeutic approaches work best?
• How important is specializiation?
• What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
• What is psychodynamic therapy?
• What is marriage and family therapy?
• What is the difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching?
• What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
• Can all therapy be delivered online or by phone?

Effective approaches to therapy are thought to share “common factors” —such as a therapist who treats the client with empathy, a rapport between the therapist and client (sometimes referred to as a therapeutic alliance), and agreement about the goals of therapy. For many kinds of distress, different types of therapy may have remarkably similar positive effects.

It is common for different types of psychologists and therapists to develop an eclectic toolbox of skills that draw from multiple approaches . These often include techniques from major therapy types such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. Some types of therapy are designed to treat particular mental health conditions: For example, Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) is often employed specifically to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed for treating borderline personality disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves challenging the negative and irrational thoughts that lead to dysfunctional behaviors and perpetuate distress. Therapists trained in CBT aim to help clients learn and practice ways of dealing with negative automatic thought patterns in more adaptive ways. CBT has been empirically studied for decades, and there is experimental evidence to support its use in the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and other conditions. A number of specialized forms of CBT target particular conditions (such as CBT-I, for insomnia).

Psychodynamic approaches to therapy encompass a focus on better understanding oneself and examining inner conflicts as a way to alleviate distress and improve relationships and other aspects of one’s life. A therapist using a psychodynamic approach may draw connections between a patient’s current feelings and past experience and will identify common patterns in one’s thoughts, experiences, or relationships—including similarities between the therapist-patient relationship and relationships outside therapy. Psychodynamic therapy has its roots in traditional psychoanalysis, but modern evidence suggests it can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

Marriage and family therapy addresses the behaviors of two or more people and the relationships between them. These forms of therapy include combined sessions with both people in a couple or all participating family members, but can involve one-on-one sessions between each individual and the therapist as well. While there are distinctions between family- and couple-centered therapies, a common goal is to improve communication between individuals. These forms of therapy can be used to alleviate conflict between partners or family members or to treat a mental health condition that may impact close others.

The terms therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably. While there is overlap between psychologists and counselors , there are also key differences that are useful to understand. In terms of similarities, both involve a relationship with someone who is trained to help people address difficulties in their lives, and therapists may opt to refer to themselves as counselors—counseling tends to be relatively brief in duration, and it can be used refer to less formal types of support that are not traditionally considered psychotherapy. These include, for example, drug and alcohol counseling for those recovering from substance-abuse problems and short-term counseling for bereavement. Coaching is distinct from both therapy and counseling in so far as it focuses on specific, goal-oriented outcomes, but does not attempt to treat or remedy mental illness or emotional disturbance.

Many psychotherapists are clinical psychologists by training, meaning they are educated in the science and practice of clinical psychological approaches to treatment. Psychologists who attain a doctoral level of education conventionally earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Psychiatrists, in contrast, are trained as medical doctors —they typically earn a M.D. or D.O. degree and can prescribe psychotropic medications. While psychologists offer many varieties of talk therapy, they are generally not permitted to prescribe medications. (Therapists can also include social workers and other professionals.)

Yes. All modalities of therapy can be delivered online or via telephone by a skilled clinician. In fact, remote therapy/telehealth, as it is increasingly known, offers a number of potential benefits , including increased access to individuals who are geographically remote or who are disinclined to enter a therapist’s office, across therapy modalities.

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Types of Mental Health Therapy

Overview of Approaches, Types, and How They're Used

• Psychoanalysis

Behavior Therapy

Cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy.

• Integrative Therapy

Deciding to start therapy is a big, personal step toward prioritizing mental health and improving overall well-being. There are differing types of mental health therapy, from cognitive behavior therapy to play therapy.

It can be overwhelming to determine which type is the best fit. At its core, therapy provides a safe and nonjudgmental environment where patients can identify problems and work collaboratively with a therapist to achieve goals.

This article discusses the five major approaches to therapy, their subtypes, and how they work.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

A counselor or therapist is a professional with training in treating mental health conditions and concerns. This can include various mental health diagnoses, including but not limited to:

• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders

Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapies

Psychoanalysis , developed by Sigmund Freud, is one of the oldest treatment methods. In this approach, the primary focus is on uncovering and examining meaningful events or patterns from the past that may be influencing a person’s current state.

Freud believed that incidents from childhood, or thoughts and feelings lying below the surface, are the root of current unhealthy behaviors. Once unearthed, the priority becomes working to process the unconscious thoughts and feelings to change behavior. There have been many developments and advancements in psychoanalytical approaches since Freud.

While some may find this form of therapy beneficial due to deep exploration, psychoanalysis can be a significant time investment for patients.

Interpersonal Therapy

In an interpersonal therapeutic approach, the patient and therapist work together to identify the patient's diagnosis and examine it within the context of their lives and experiences. Through conducting an inventory of experiences, the patient can begin to understand patterns and significant events in their lives and relationships.

Strengthening relationships and establishing and deepening support systems are essential in this type of therapy.

Interpersonal therapy can be effective for individuals living with mood disorders, such as depression.

Mentalization Therapy

Mentalizing refers to a person’s capacity to distinguish between their emotions and the feelings of others. This process can also help patients understand how their emotions are connected to their actions.

Mentalization therapy is most commonly implemented with patients who are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder , as a way to increase awareness of thoughts and emotions, and improve interpersonal functioning.

Family Therapy

Family counseling tackles problems that occur within the family system. This therapy can help family members give voice to issues, understand each other and how the issue impacts them as a unit, and create plans to resolve issues.

This method of therapy can help families learn to communicate and support each other, improve day-to-day interactions, and manage issues by taking action.

When to Seek Family Therapy

A family might want to reach out to a family counselor if:

• A child is having a behavioral health issue.
• A family member is managing a mental or physical health condition, like a drug addiction or eating disorder.
• The family is going through a divorce.
• The family is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Group Therapy

One or two clinicians typically facilitate group therapy which may have up to 15 participating patients. This format is excellent for support groups, developing skills, or education about specific topics (e.g., substance use, grief, stress management).

Group therapy provides an atmosphere of emotional safety and connects people experiencing similar challenges. Group members can often learn and receive support from both the therapist and each other.

Group therapy can be advantageous for people who need a more cost-effective way to get treatment.

Play Therapy

Play therapy can be a directive or non-directive expressive form of therapy that helps children cultivate communication and interpersonal skills. This can be helpful as children may not be able to express their emotional concerns directly through words.

In play therapy, children work closely with a therapist—who may be an active participant or an observer—to examine how a child expresses and manages themselves. This approach can enhance a child’s social skills and communication skills.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that can help people heal after distressing or traumatic events. A therapist who utilizes EMDR will help the patient access stressful or difficult memories by pairing them with external stimuli, such as eye movement or EFT tapping .

EMDR incorporates aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Research demonstrates that patients can create new associations during this process, which can help decrease psychological distress and improve functioning.

EDMR for Trauma

EMDR has been effective in helping veterans reduce PTSD symptoms, as well as demonstrating improvement in symptoms with people who have experienced other kinds of trauma. EMDR should only be performed with a licensed and certified professional due to the sensitive nature of revisiting trauma.

Behaviorism suggests that people can change their behavior by focusing on what can be observed and using proper reinforcements. Therapists can help patients evaluate behaviors that are not serving them but have been reinforced by factors throughout their lives.

By naming a target behavior and exploring how they would like the behavior to change, patients and clinicians can develop a plan that allows the patient to improve negative or unhelpful behaviors while picking up new techniques to support them in creating sustainable change.

Classical Conditioning

In a famous experiment conducted by Ivan Pavlov, dogs were conditioned to associate the sound of a bell with food. This demonstrates the essence of classical conditioning.

Human beings can also make associations between two stimuli when paired, leading to a learned response. These responses can be adaptive (positive) or maladaptive (negative).

Because the association between stimuli can change, therapists can work with patients to form different mental relationships with the stimuli, such as ones that elicit a relaxation response instead of a fear-based response. This type of learning association can be applied to phobias, anxiety, and fear.

Operant Conditioning

This behavioral approach is centered around the notion of reinforcement. A person’s behavior can be influenced one way or another by the resulting consequences.

For instance, if a child is rewarded every time they clean their room, they may repeat the behavior because they have learned that positive reinforcement will follow the activity. Alternatively, a lack of reinforcement or an unwanted consequence can cause a decrease in a specific behavior.

A therapist can apply these principles when working with a child to reinforce wanted behaviors and extinguish unwanted behaviors.

Desensitizing

People who experience fear-based responses to a trigger may engage in avoidant behavior because they have learned that they are unsafe in certain situations or events.

Desensitizing is a technique for a person to change their relationship with fear, anxiety, and safety about a situation or event.

Eventually, patients recognize that they are safe and can manage strong emotions. Desensitizing can be especially effective with anxiety and phobias.

Desensitizing Strategies

When drawing on this approach, a therapist can teach relaxation strategies like deep breathing, grounding, body scanning, and progressive muscle relaxation to decrease tension. Gradual exposure to a distressing situation or event through imagery changes the association between the trigger and the response.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy to form a more holistic approach.

CBT teaches patients to recognize and challenge unhelpful or irrational thoughts that may influence their emotions and behaviors. The emphasis is on understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions and developing a more balanced perspective and response.

During sessions, patients can practice and hone new skills, as well as apply them outside of sessions through tracking or monitoring their thoughts and behaviors.

Disorders Treated With CBT

CBT is an evidence-based treatment that is effective with a variety of diagnoses, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress management, interpersonal issues, and more.

There are few subtypes of CBT, which include dialectical behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Developed in the 1980s, this type of therapy teaches skills that improve emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. It also incorporates mindfulness.

As the standard treatment for people with borderline personality disorder, patients are taught how to identify and accept their emotions and behaviors, self-validate, distinguish themselves and their experiences from others, and manage emotional distress or discomfort.

This treatment approach emphasizes expanding the skills in a person’s toolbox to help them navigate their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

Rational Emotive Therapy

Rational emotive therapy prioritizes recognizing and challenging dysfunctional thought patterns. A principle of this treatment is that how a person views and interprets events can shape their emotions and behavior.

Therapists utilizing this approach aim to help patients replace irrational thoughts with rational thoughts, which can help them better evaluate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is an evidence-based treatment geared toward showing patients that their fears can be managed. Upon identifying situations or events that cause psychological distress, the therapist and patient work together to prioritize coping skills patients can use as needed, as well as create a plan to slowly begin exposing the patient to different levels or aspects of the trigger.

Implemented with individuals grappling with anxiety, phobias, trauma, panic attacks, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms, patients practice restructuring their thoughts about the situation or events, managing feelings of fear, anxiety, or panic, all while seeing that they are safe and can cope with distress as it arises.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

This method is rooted in meditative practices and may incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy. It emphasizes mindfulness, or the ability to be aware and in the present.

Therapists can teach patients to tap into thoughts and feelings as they arise. Patients can gain perspective and put space between themselves and negative thoughts. Research demonstrates that mindfulness-based techniques are instrumental in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness-based therapy techniques may include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Visualization
• Guided imagery

This type of therapy stems from behavioral therapy. It focuses on the relationship between thoughts and feelings. When patients are able to detect dysfunctional or irrational thoughts and transform them into balanced thoughts, there is a significant emotional impact that can lead to healthier responses.

Adopting strategies to change thinking patterns is the focus here. This treatment approach is effective and can be used with patients who experience depression, anxiety, or phobias . Cognitive therapy may be combined with behavior therapy, which can provide a more comprehensive experience for patients.

In this approach to therapy, the patient is viewed as a whole and individual person. In examining their choices and behavior, therapists can aid patients in recognizing their strengths and capacity to take responsibility for themselves and their lives, and work toward evolving into a fuller version of themselves.

Part of this process is investigating how patients view the world and themselves within the world. Examining these connections keeps patients focused on the here and now and allows them to become active participants.

Existential Therapy

Through exploring a patient's personal experiences, therapists can help patients identify and create meaning in their lives. Awareness and personal responsibility are emphasized in an existential approach.

In existential therapy, pain, suffering, anxiety, and free will are all recognized as aspects of life. Patients are encouraged to be flexible in their thinking and adaptive in how they meet what life throws their way. Ultimately, patients learn acceptance and to be accountable for themselves.

Person-Centered Therapy

Also referred to as client-centered therapy, this approach prioritizes helping patients achieve personal growth and create change in their lives. Patients are viewed as the experts on themselves, and therapists empower patients to make choices that align with their goals.

The therapist uses non-directive techniques to meet the patient where they are in their journey with authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. This therapy aims to support patients in harnessing their inner strength and reaching the best possible version of themselves.

Gestalt Therapy

This therapeutic approach encourages patients to be present and evaluate the here and now. Gestalt therapy is not concerned with the past but more about how patients are impacted presently.

A therapist utilizing this approach may work with patients on cultivating a sense of acceptance, awareness, and responsibility for where they are in their lives. How a person perceives and understands themselves and their life is valuable in this form of therapy, as it can shape how humans view and interact with the world.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a brief therapy that helps people better identify, experience, and manage their emotions more flexibly. Centered in the here and now, EFT works to pinpoint problems, identify changes that can occur in the present, and help individuals learn to have healthier interactions in the future.

EFT for Individuals

In addition to being beneficial for couples and families, EFT is effective in the treatment of depression and trauma for individuals. One study indicated that EFT decreased symptoms of depression in couples where one member of the couple was struggling with depression.

Integrative or Holistic Therapy

Instead of utilizing one treatment method, some therapists will tailor their therapeutic approach to the patient's needs by introducing strategies and methods from two or more types of therapy.

In this approach, the patient and their concerns are viewed through a holistic lens, and interventions are selected to help patients achieve more meaningful results in therapy.

For instance, a therapist may utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients identify, challenge, and develop healthier thinking patterns while also applying techniques from a mindfulness-based approach to assist patients with managing stress or emotional discomfort.

Holistic therapy can be supportive to patients managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

The connection between animals and humans can create a sense of calm and safety. Exposure to animals can enhance psychological well-being, specifically decreasing anger and stress, improving social interactions, or helping soothe people affected by trauma.

Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to help individuals develop and strengthen their social skills, as animal-assisted therapy teaches people about empathy and bonding.

Different kinds of animals, including dogs and horses, may be used in animal-assisted therapy.

Art Therapy

Art therapy is an integrative form of therapy that involves working with different artistic mediums to facilitate self-expression.

Art therapy employs creative activities such as:

This self-expression can be significant when helping patients cultivate a more profound sense of self or heal from life events. It can also enhance cognitive and motor skills.

Art therapy can be applied to a variety of populations, including children, adults, and group settings.

Many forms of therapy can treat specific mental health diagnoses and symptoms. You might consider going to therapy if you are looking to navigate daily stressors, work through a problem, improve your relationships, cope with a traumatic event, or notice new or worsening symptoms of a mental health disorder. Having a sense of your needs, personal goals, and what you hope to get out of therapy is essential as you explore options.

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Søndergaard AA, Juul S, Poulsen S, Simonsen S. Mentalizing the therapist – Therapist experiences with short-term mentalization-based therapy for borderline personality disorder: A qualitative study . Front Psychiatry . 2023;14:1088865. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1088865

American Psychological Association. Understanding group therapy .

Senko K, Bethany H. Play therapy: an illustrative case . Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience . 2019;16(5-6):38.

Landin-Romero R, Moreno-Alcazar A, Pagani M, Amann BL. How does eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy work? A systematic review on suggested mechanisms of action . Front Psychol . 2018;9:1395. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01395

Lee IS, Jung WM, Lee YS, Wallraven C, Chae Y. Operant and classical learning principles underlying mind–body interaction in pain modulation: a pilot fMRI study . Sci Rep . 2021;11:1663. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-81134-6

American Psychological Association. What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Nakao M, Shirotsuki K, Sugaya N. Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies . Biopsychosoc Med . 2021;15:16. doi:10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w

Gillespie C, Murphy M, Kells M, Flynn D. Individuals who report having benefitted from dialectical behaviour therapy (Dbt): a qualitative exploration of processes and experiences at long-term follow-up . Bord personal disord emot dysregul . 2022;9(1):8. doi:10.1186/s40479-022-00179-9

Huang T, Li H, Tan S, et al. The efficacy and acceptability of exposure therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis . BMC Psychiatry . 2022;22:259. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03867-6

Hofmann SG, Gómez AF. Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and depression . Psychiatr Clin North Am . 2017;40(4):739-749. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.008

Heidari S, Shahbakhsh B, Janjoo M. The effectiveness of Gestalt therapy on depressed women in comparison with the drug therapy . Journal of Applied Psychology & Behavioral Science . 2(1):14-18.

Alder MC, Dyer WJ, Sandberg JG, Davis SY, Holt-Lunstad J. Emotionally-focused therapy and treatment as usual comparison groups in decreasing depression: A clinical pilot study . The American Journal of Family Therapy . 2018;46(5):541-555. doi:10.1080/01926187.2019.1572478

American Psychological Association. Different approaches to psychotherapy .

American Art Therapy Association. About art therapy .

By Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC Dexter has a doctorate in psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor with a focus on suicidal ideation, self-harm, and mood disorders.

Revolutionize Your Healing: Discover Therapy Homework Worksheets that Work

The power of therapy homework.

Therapy homework is an integral part of the therapeutic process, offering individuals the opportunity to continue their healing journey outside of therapy sessions. By engaging in structured activities and exercises, clients can reinforce what they have learned and apply therapeutic concepts to their daily lives. This section will explore what therapy homework is and the benefits of using therapy homework worksheets.

What is Therapy Homework?

Therapy homework refers to assignments or tasks that therapists provide to their clients to complete outside of therapy sessions. These assignments are tailored to the individual’s specific needs and therapeutic goals. Therapy homework can take various forms, including worksheets, journaling exercises, or other activities designed to promote reflection, skill development, and personal growth.

Therapists assign homework to help clients integrate new insights, strategies, and coping skills into their daily routines. It serves as a bridge between therapy sessions, allowing clients to actively engage in their own healing process between appointments. By participating in therapy homework, individuals can take ownership of their progress and contribute to their overall well-being.

Benefits of Using Therapy Homework Worksheets

Using therapy homework worksheets offers numerous benefits for both clients and therapists. These worksheets provide structure and guidance, ensuring that clients have a clear direction for their therapeutic work. Here are some key benefits of incorporating therapy homework worksheets into the therapeutic process:

• Reinforcement of therapeutic concepts:  Completing therapy homework worksheets reinforces the concepts discussed in therapy sessions. It allows clients to apply what they have learned, increasing the likelihood of long-term change and growth.
• Continuity of progress:  Therapy homework provides a continuous link between therapy sessions, offering clients the opportunity to maintain momentum in their progress. By actively engaging in therapeutic activities outside of sessions, clients can build upon their achievements and work towards their goals.
• Enhanced self-awareness:  Therapy homework encourages self-reflection and introspection. Worksheets prompt clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to increased self-awareness and insight into their own patterns and experiences.
• Skill development: Many therapy homework worksheets focus on developing specific skills or coping strategies. By engaging in these activities, clients can practice and refine their skills, ultimately enhancing their ability to manage challenges and navigate their lives more effectively.
• Empowerment and self-efficacy:  Completing therapy homework instills a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy in clients. It allows them to take an active role in their own healing process, fostering a sense of control and autonomy.
• Tracking progress:  Therapy homework worksheets enable clients and therapists to track progress over time. By regularly reviewing completed assignments, both parties can observe growth, identify patterns, and adjust treatment plans as needed.

By utilizing therapy homework worksheets, therapists can enhance the effectiveness of their interventions and empower clients to take an active role in their healing journey. These worksheets provide structure, guidance, and opportunities for growth, supporting clients in achieving their therapeutic goals.

In the next section, we will explore how therapists can find the right therapy homework worksheets for their clients by understanding their needs and considering different types of worksheets.

Finding the Right Therapy Homework Worksheets

To effectively incorporate therapy homework into your practice, it’s essential to  understand your client’s needs  and tailor the worksheets accordingly. Each client is unique, with different goals, challenges, and preferences. By considering their individual situation, you can select therapy homework worksheets that are most relevant and beneficial.

Understanding Your Client’s Needs

Before prescribing therapy homework, take the time to have an open and honest conversation with your client. Understand their specific concerns, treatment goals, and areas they want to focus on. This will help you identify the most appropriate therapy homework assignments that align with their needs and objectives.

By gaining insight into their preferences and learning style, you can select worksheets that will resonate with them. Some clients may prefer written exercises, while others may respond better to visual or experiential activities. Understanding these preferences will enhance engagement and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Types of Therapy Homework Worksheets

Therapy homework worksheets come in various formats and cover a wide range of therapeutic techniques. Here are some common types of therapy homework worksheets that you may find helpful:

These are just a few examples, and there are many more therapy approaches and corresponding worksheets available. Depending on your client’s needs, you may explore other therapy approaches such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or Narrative Therapy. Each approach offers unique worksheets that can be tailored to address specific concerns.

By incorporating a variety of therapy homework worksheets, you can provide your clients with a diverse and comprehensive treatment experience. This allows for a more personalized approach that caters to their specific needs and promotes better therapeutic outcomes.

As you introduce therapy homework to your clients, it’s important to  set clear expectations  and explain the purpose and benefits of completing the assignments. Encourage them to actively engage with the worksheets and track their progress over time. This will help both you and your client assess the effectiveness of the therapy homework and make any necessary adjustments. For more ideas on therapy homework assignments, you can explore our article on  therapy homework assignments .

Remember, therapy homework is a collaborative process between you and your client. By understanding their needs and preferences and selecting appropriate worksheets, you can empower them to take an active role in their healing journey.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Worksheets

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Therapy homework worksheets based on CBT principles can be valuable tools in helping clients make progress outside of therapy sessions. Here are three common CBT worksheets that can be incorporated into therapy homework assignments.

Thought Records

Thought records are powerful tools for challenging and restructuring negative thinking patterns. These worksheets involve identifying and examining negative thoughts, emotions, and associated situations. Clients are encouraged to explore evidence for and against their negative thoughts, as well as alternative, more balanced perspectives. By completing thought records, individuals can develop a more realistic and positive outlook. For additional therapy homework ideas, including thought records for specific concerns, check out our article on  therapy homework ideas .

Behavior Activation

Behavior activation worksheets are designed to help individuals increase their engagement in enjoyable and fulfilling activities. By identifying activities that bring a sense of pleasure or accomplishment, clients can overcome feelings of apathy or low motivation often associated with depression or other mental health challenges. These worksheets help clients set specific goals, plan and schedule activities, and track their progress. By gradually increasing their involvement in positive activities, individuals can experience a boost in mood and overall well-being.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

Challenging negative thoughts worksheets assist clients in identifying and challenging distorted, negative thinking patterns. These worksheets encourage individuals to examine the evidence supporting their negative thoughts and consider alternative interpretations. By replacing negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones, clients can change their emotional responses and behaviors. This practice can be particularly effective for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. For specific therapy homework worksheets on challenging negative thoughts related to anxiety or depression, visit our articles on  therapy homework for anxiety  and  therapy homework for depression .

By incorporating these cognitive-behavioral therapy worksheets into therapy homework assignments, practitioners can empower their clients to actively participate in their own healing process. It’s important to remember that therapy homework should be tailored to individual clients’ needs and goals. Regularly tracking progress and adjusting the homework as needed ensures that clients are receiving the most effective treatment. Additionally, setting clear expectations and providing guidance on how to complete the worksheets can enhance their effectiveness.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy Worksheets

Incorporating mindfulness-based techniques into therapy can be highly beneficial, particularly for individuals seeking to enhance their self-awareness and overall well-being. Mindfulness-based therapy worksheets provide structured exercises that guide clients through various mindfulness practices. Here are three commonly used worksheets:

The body scan exercise is a mindfulness practice that involves systematically directing attention to different parts of the body, noticing sensations, and bringing awareness to the present moment. This practice helps individuals cultivate a deeper connection with their physical sensations, promoting relaxation and grounding. The body scan can be particularly helpful for reducing stress and increasing body awareness. To access a body scan worksheet, check out our article on  therapy homework for relaxation .

Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing exercises focus on bringing attention to the breath as it moves in and out of the body. By observing the breath without judgment, individuals can develop a sense of calm and present-moment awareness. Mindful breathing exercises can be used as a tool to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional reactivity. Encourage clients to practice mindful breathing daily to cultivate a greater sense of calm and centeredness. For more mindfulness-based therapy worksheets, explore our  therapy homework for mindfulness  article.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

Loving-kindness meditation, also known as metta meditation, involves directing well-wishes and compassion towards oneself and others. This practice cultivates feelings of love, kindness, and connection. By repeating positive phrases or mental images, individuals can foster a sense of empathy and understanding towards themselves and those around them. Loving-kindness meditation can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with self-compassion or developing positive relationships. To access a loving-kindness meditation worksheet, visit our article on  therapy homework for self-compassion .

By incorporating mindfulness-based therapy worksheets into sessions, therapists can empower their clients to develop mindfulness skills, enhance self-awareness, and promote personal growth. These worksheets can serve as valuable resources to support clients in their therapeutic journey. Remember to tailor the worksheets to each individual client’s needs and track their progress over time.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Worksheets

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with personal values. ACT worksheets provide practical exercises and tools to help individuals develop psychological flexibility and enhance their well-being. Here are three commonly used ACT worksheets:

Values Clarification

Values clarification is a fundamental aspect of ACT. This worksheet assists individuals in identifying their core values, which serve as guiding principles for their actions and decisions. By clarifying personal values, individuals can align their behavior with what truly matters to them, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

The values clarification worksheet involves reflecting on different areas of life, such as relationships, work, health, and personal growth. It prompts individuals to identify specific values that resonate with them and rank their importance. This exercise helps individuals gain clarity about what they value most and provides a foundation for making choices in line with those values.

Defusion Techniques

Defusion techniques in ACT aim to help individuals observe and distance themselves from their thoughts, rather than getting entangled in them. This worksheet introduces various defusion exercises that allow individuals to create psychological space between themselves and their thoughts.

One common defusion technique is the “leaves on a stream” exercise. This exercise involves imagining thoughts as leaves floating down a stream. Individuals are encouraged to observe their thoughts without judgment, allowing them to come and go freely. By practicing this exercise, individuals can reduce their attachment to unhelpful thoughts and develop a more flexible relationship with their thinking patterns.

Committed Action Planning

Committed action planning is a crucial component of ACT that emphasizes taking steps toward valued goals and engaging in meaningful action. This worksheet helps individuals identify specific actions they can take to align with their values and move closer to their desired outcomes.

The committed action planning worksheet involves setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and breaking them down into actionable steps. Individuals are prompted to consider potential barriers and develop strategies to overcome them. This process empowers individuals to create a roadmap for taking consistent and purposeful action in line with their values.

Using these acceptance and commitment therapy worksheets, therapists can guide clients in developing greater psychological flexibility and resilience. Whether through values clarification, defusion techniques, or committed action planning, these worksheets provide practical tools for individuals to navigate life’s challenges and live more authentically.

Incorporating Therapy Homework into Your Practice

As a mental health professional, integrating  therapy homework  into your practice can enhance the effectiveness of your sessions and empower your clients to actively participate in their healing journey. To make the most of therapy homework, it is essential to  set clear expectations ,  tailor worksheets to individual clients , and  track progress and adjust as needed .

Setting Clear Expectations

When introducing therapy homework to your clients, it is crucial to establish clear expectations from the beginning. Clearly communicate the purpose and benefits of therapy homework, emphasizing that it is an integral part of their therapeutic process. Explain how completing assignments outside of sessions can reinforce the work done in therapy and accelerate progress. Encourage open communication and address any concerns or questions your clients may have.

By setting clear expectations, you create a foundation of understanding and collaboration. This clarity helps clients commit to the homework and understand its importance in their therapeutic journey. For more ideas on therapy homework assignments, you can refer to our article on  therapy homework assignments .

Tailoring Worksheets to Individual Clients

Every client is unique, and their therapy homework should reflect their specific needs and goals. Tailoring worksheets to individual clients allows for a more personalized and effective therapeutic experience. Take the time to assess your client’s preferences, learning style, and therapeutic objectives. This information will guide you in selecting or creating worksheets that resonate with their needs.

Consider exploring a wide range of therapy homework options to address various concerns. From worksheets for anxiety and depression to self-esteem, assertiveness, mindfulness, relaxation, self-reflection, self-care, boundaries, forgiveness, self-compassion, self-acceptance, problem-solving, self-awareness, self-confidence, resilience, journaling, self-expression, creativity, communication skills, anger management, stress management, goal setting, emotional regulation , relationship building, trauma recovery, and coping skills, there are numerous possibilities to explore. You can find more ideas in our extensive library of articles on  therapy homework .

Remember, the more tailored the therapy homework is to your client’s individual needs, the more engaged and motivated they will be in completing the assignments.

Tracking Progress and Adjusting as Needed

Monitoring your clients’ progress with therapy homework is crucial for evaluating their growth and making any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan. Regularly review completed assignments, discuss the insights gained, and encourage clients to share their experiences and challenges. This feedback loop enables you to identify patterns, track progress, and adapt the therapy homework accordingly.

Keep detailed records of each client’s therapy homework journey. Use a tracking system to note their assignments, progress, and any modifications made along the way. This documentation will serve as a valuable resource for future sessions and help guide the direction of their therapy.

Additionally, be open to feedback from your clients. Actively listen to their thoughts and feelings about the therapy homework process. This feedback will inform your decision-making and allow you to refine the therapy homework approach to best meet their evolving needs.

By incorporating therapy homework into your practice and following these guidelines of setting clear expectations, tailoring worksheets to individual clients, and tracking progress, you can revolutionize the healing journey for your clients. Therapy homework is a powerful tool that empowers clients to actively engage in their own healing process, leading to more effective and transformative therapeutic outcomes.

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Types of Therapy: An A to Z List of Your Options

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, other types of therapy to consider a to z.

Psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach to treating mental health conditions. If you've ever thought about trying therapy, you've probably noticed that there are many different therapy types available. 

The type of therapy that will work best for you depends on various factors, including your symptoms, needs, goals as well as your individual preferences.

At a Glance

Different types of psychotherapy often fall under several broad categories, such as cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, or psychodynamic therapies. But there are also dozens of specific types that can be beneficial for achieving certain goals or treating certain types of mental health conditions. Researching your options is a great place to start, but you might also talk to your doctor or contact a referral service for tips on deciding which type of therapy might be the most effective option for you.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)  is a type of therapy that helps people identify distorted, unhelpful thoughts that adversely affect emotions and behaviors. After identifying these patterns, people can challenge them and develop more adaptive ones.

How It Works

During CBT, people work with their therapist to figure out which types of distorted thoughts are contributing to their current problems. It is a guided self-discovery process that requires introspection and discussion. While it can be challenging and uncomfortable sometimes, it can also be a great way to gain personal insights that help fuel future growth.

Once such patterns have been explored, a therapist will then help the individual find better ways of approaching the problem. This involves actively disputing the thoughts and replacing them with more realistic, helpful, or positive ones.

What It’s Good For

CBT is often described as the gold standard of psychotherapy given the amount of research support it has.

It has been shown to be effective for a variety of conditions including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders

In addition to its use in treating specific conditions, it can also help people who are coping with problems such as insomnia, poor self-esteem, stress, and relationship issues.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that incorporates acceptance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation strategies.

DBT usually involves weekly sessions that last around an hour, however it may also involve group sessions and intersession contact with your therapist. Sessions are focused on balancing between acceptance and change. A therapist will help the individual practice strategies such as mindfulness to help people stay more focused on the present moment.  

It also utilizes distress tolerance techniques such as self-soothing or physical strategies to help people manage strong emotions. Other important parts of DBT focus on interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation.

DBT was originally developed to treat  borderline personality disorder (BPD) . However, it can also be useful with a range of other conditions, particularly those that involve problems with emotional regulation.

It can be used to treat conditions including:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of CBT that focuses on helping people learn to accept their thoughts and feelings and commit to goals that support their values.

ACT utilizes six important processes to help people improve their psychological flexibility. These involve:

• Identifying your values
• Committed action
• Self as context - involving you observing your physical and emotional sensations
• Cognitive Diffusion - Separating yourself from your thoughts and emotions
• Allowing yourself to accept your thoughts and emotions without trying to change them
• Connecting with the present moment to help stay engaged and aware

ACT can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)

Psychodynamic therapy  is a treatment approach focused on helping people gain insight into the roots of their emotional suffering. It is influenced by psychoanalytic theory, but in contrast to traditional psychoanalysis is less frequent, and more focused on here and now conflicts and relationship dynamics. It not only works to alleviate symptoms but also to help people grow in their emotional health and capacities.

Like psychoanalysis , psychodynamic therapy works to help people uncover how their unconscious emotions or memories might influence their behavior.

This involves using techniques that encourage self-reflection, often by using the relationship with the therapist to better understand relationship patterns that might create issues in a person's life.

During psychodynamic therapy, a person will meet with their therapist one or more times per week to talk about what's on their mind, memories they've been thinking about, or current problems they are facing.

It can also be helpful for people who are experiencing other emotional issues, such as challenges in work, relationships, and with self-esteem.

Family therapy approaches are a type of therapy that can help individuals by improving communication, reducing conflict, and strengthening relationships between family members.

Home environments and relationships can have an important impact on mental health issues, so improving this aspect of a person's life can have a significant effect on how a person feels, functions and copes.

Types of Family Therapy

• Family constellation therapy
• Family systems therapy
• Filial therapy
• Internal family systems therapy
• Strategic family therapy
• Structural family therapy

The specific techniques a therapist uses in family therapy can vary depending on the therapist and the issues the individual and family are experiencing. It may incorporate techniques from other types of therapy, including cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic approaches.

The focus of family therapy is to make changes to the family dynamic to ensure each person has the support they need. During these sessions, the family may focus on particular issues, talk about past problems, or practice coping skills that can promote healing and communication.

Family therapy can be effective in treating a number of conditions and issues that affect families, including:

• Chronic illness

It can also be effective for helping families deal with challenges they might face, such as death, divorce, conflict, parenting problems, trauma , or behavioral issues.

In addition to some of the best-known and most frequently used types of therapy, there are a wide variety of other approaches that are often used to treat certain conditions or mental health concerns.

A Through C

ABA therapy is a behavioral approach that relies on reinforcement to change problematic behaviors in autism spectrum disorders. Although there is data for its effectiveness, there is some current controversy in the autism community about whether there should be a greater emphasis on building skills rather than trying to make kids with autism fit neurotypical norms.

Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) is a type of therapy designed to help people manage anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. It focuses on framing challenges and problems as opportunities to grow and heal.

Adlerian therapy is a treatment approach based on the theories of psychiatrist Alfred Adler. It stresses understanding a person's social environment and how belonging and social interaction can help promote well-being.

Anger management focuses on helping people learn to recognize and manage feelings of anger and rage. During treatment, people learn how to limit their exposure to anger-provoking situations, but they also explore healthy ways of expressing their feelings and controlling angry outbursts.

Art therapy utilizes creative expression to help improve mental well-being. Collage, painting, coloring, and photography are just a few techniques that may help people express their feelings and cope with distress. Research suggests it can be helpful for a range of psychological issues, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and relationship problems.

Attachment therapy helps people understand how their earliest bonds with caregivers impact their relationships in adulthood. This approach can be helpful for people who experience trauma, neglect, or other difficult childhood experiences. The idea is to help adults get in touch with their inner child to heal wounds and hurts that continue to affect a person in the present.

Attachment therapy may help improve interpersonal relationships, emotional vulnerability, self-esteem, and communication in relationships.

Aversion therapy involves repeatedly pairing an unwanted behavior with an unpleasant stimulus, such as an electrical shock. It is a form of behavioral therapy that is sometimes used to create an association between a behavior and discomfort. However, this type of therapy can be controversial and harmful in some cases.

Behavioral therapy involves utilizing conditioning processes to help change behaviors. It is rooted in the principles of behaviorism and involves techniques like rewards, punishments, flooding, desensitization, behavior modeling, and token economies to shape behavior. It can be helpful when focusing on specific problems and may be used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and substance use disorders.

Bereavement therapy , also known as  grief counseling , is designed to help people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Grief can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that make coping and functioning more difficult. Bereavement therapy can help people work through their challenging feelings related to a loss.

Bibliotherapy involves using books and literature to gain insight into problems that a person might be facing in their own life. After discussing thoughts, emotions, or problems with a mental health professional, a therapist might recommend specific books to help people learn more about their problems and find solutions that might help.

Bioenergetic therapy is an approach that focuses on how the mind, body, and spirit are connected. By releasing both physical and psychological tension, this approach strives to help improve problems with stress, anger, depression, and anxiety. Specific techniques that may be used to accomplish this include sensory awareness, grounding, body movement, and supportive contact.

Bowenian family therapy seeks to understand how patterns are passed down through families. It works to help families heal these destructive, toxic patterns by improving communication, increasing autonomy, and strengthening boundaries. Families are asked to help create genograms that provide rich details about families, histories, relationships, and patterns.

Brainspotting therapy is an emerging alternative treatment focused on helping people process difficult emotions and memories. It is an offshoot of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

Client-centered therapy , aka person-centered therapy, associated with humanist psychologist Carl Rogers is a  collaborative , non-directive, and non-judgmental therapy. The therapist takes a position of unconditional positive regard, helping clients adjust their self-concept.

Cognitive processing therapy (CBT) is a type of CBT therapy designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through psychoeducation, belief change, and skill development, people can let go of thoughts that keep them stuck on a traumatic experience.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is an approach that utilizes compassion training and psychotherapy. It is designed to foster self-compassion leading to a variety of emotional and interpersonal benefits.

Couples therapy is designed to help romantic and intimate partners repair or improve their relationship. It can improve communication and connection and help couples learn how to deal with outside stress more effectively.

D Through I

Dance therapy utilizes body movement to promote mental well-being. In addition to relieving stress and improving physical health, it can also help people who are coping with conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Drama therapy , also known as psychodrama , encourages people to express themselves through acting, theater, improvisation, and role-play. It is an active approach to creative therapy that can help people solve problems, improve relationships, boost self-esteem, and increase emotional expression. (North American Drama Therapy Association. What is drama therapy? )

Eclectic therapy describes an approach many therapists use that involves drawing on many different therapy approaches during treatment. For example, a therapist may draw on behavioral, cognitive, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a treatment that uses bilateral (left-right) eye movement stimulation to help people process and recover from the impact of traumatic memories. Research suggests that EMDR can help reduce the pain and emotional effects of those memories.

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) focuses on helping adults improve their attachment bonds. It is a short-term therapy that follows three main stages: de-escalation, restructuring, and consolidating. It can help couples who are struggling with conflict, distress and poor communication.

Exposure therapy is a behavioral approach that has people face their fears in order to gradually reduce feelings of anxiety. It can be an effective treatment for panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and aspects of PTSD.

Expressive arts therapy utilizes a range of creative self-expression, such as visual art, dance, music, and writing, to help build self-awareness and cope with difficult emotions.

Feminist therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping women with the stress and bias they experience due to gender discrimination. It can help women practice speaking up when they face bias and examine the power structures that can harm mental health.

Gestalt therapy is centered on the here and now of a person's life. It seeks to understand the context of a person's present life and its impact on their current challenges.

Group therapy involves a therapist leading sessions with more than one client at the same time. It can be an effective way for people to share, practice skills, build connections, and learn from others.

Hakomi therapy is a somatic approach that utilizes supportive, consensual touch to help people gain comfort and awareness while processing difficult emotions and experiences.

Healing touch therapy is an alternative approach that uses energy work to support mental and spiritual well-being. It is based on ideas drawn from Eastern medicine that focus on creating harmonious energy balances to help people feel well.

Holistic therapy is an integrative, mind-body approach that incorporates techniques such as breathwork, hypnosis, guided imagery, mindfulness, and yoga alongside psychotherapy techniques such as CBT and psychodynamic therapy.

The goal of holistic therapy is to integrate traditional and non-traditional approaches to address the whole person, including physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual factors that affect a person's well-being.

Humanistic therapy is an approach that focuses on helping people achieve their goals and achieve personal fulfillment. It incorporates strategies such as unconditional positive regard and reflective listening to help clients build self-awareness and a positive sense of self.

Imago therapy is an approach that can help people manage and resolve conflicts within a relationship. It can help reduce hurtful language that contributes to problems, provide a safe environment that fosters greater openness, and give each person the chance to communicate their needs and listen to their partner.

Integrative therapy , sometimes called multimodal therapy , involves drawing on various therapeutic approaches to treat each person's unique problems. It involves combining many techniques and adapting them to suit the individual situation and problem.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy helps people improve interpersonal relationships and develop regular routines supporting mental health. By stabilizing these aspects of a person's life, people can improve mood and develop stronger relationship skills.

Interpersonal therapy is an approach that helps people better understand how their thoughts and feelings can affect their relationships with other people. It is usually a short-term treatment and can help with problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance use problems.

J Through P

Jungian therapy is an approach based on the theories of psychiatrist Carl Jung. It focuses on helping people find their inner selves by exploring unconscious influences through art, imagination, dream analysis, and word association.

Logotherapy is an approach that works to help people build resilience by finding a sense of purpose in their lives. It utilizes techniques such as dereflection, paradoxical intention, and Socratic dialogue to aid in self-discovery.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines CBT with mindfulness to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This approach helps people become more self-aware, gain mental clarity, and let go of negative thoughts. 

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a technique that can help people with substance use issues become more motivated to change. It focuses on helping people recognize the effects of their behavior while fostering a stronger belief in their ability to change these behaviors.

Music therapy utilizes music to help improve mental well-being. In addition to listening to music, it can also involve writing songs, dancing, or talking about music.

Narrative therapy focuses on helping people become experts in their own life story, while helping them more effectively observe their own lives, behaviors and problems. By becoming experts in their own stories, people can live in ways that reflect their values, beliefs, and goals.

Nature therapy utilizes nature to help promote healing and wellness. It involves spending time outdoors in green spaces. Types of nature therapy include wilderness therapy and adventure therapy .

Play therapy utilizes play, such as painting, dancing, or games, to help children cope with emotional or mental challenges. It is typically utilized with younger children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Primal therapy encourages people to express their deepest emotions through talking, crying, yelling, or shouting. The idea is that venting such emotions can lead to relief and help process and integrate past experiences with the present.

Problem-solving therapy teaches problem-solving skills so that people can better tackle life's challenges. It can help with depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, and other problems that affect mental health.

Psychedelic therapy involves using psychedelic substances to aid in the psychotherapeutic process. Substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA are a few that are being explored for their potential therapeutic effects.

R Through Z

Rational emotive behavior therapy focuses on helping people recognize and overcome irrational beliefs that contribute to mental health problems. It emphasizes acceptance while working to help people actively dispute and replace negative beliefs.

Reality therapy is a controversial therapy that rejects the idea of mental health conditions and suggests that all behaviors are the result of choices. It encourages people to take control of their lives by being accountable for their actions.

Regression therapy is a controversial and debated form of therapy that involves hypnosis to regress to an earlier point in time to understand how past events influence current functioning. Critics suggest that it can lead to false memories.

Relational therapy emphasizes relationships and explores how these connections influence an individual's well-being. It works to improve communication and connection to help people overcome unhealthy habits that might affect their relationships.

Reminiscence therapy focuses on recalling positive past events to help induce feelings of pleasure and well-being. It is often used to help comfort older people who may find it enjoyable and fulfilling to focus on fond memories of the past.

Sand tray therapy involves using a sand tray and small tools and figures as a way for people to express themselves. It is often used with kids but can also be helpful for adults as a way to deal with feelings of anxiety and trauma.

Schema-focused therapy is a treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) that helps people with the condition change unhelpful thinking that contributes to symptoms. The goal is to change unhelpful underlying schemas, or pervasive thought and behavior patterns, to be more helpful and adaptive.

Sex therapy helps couples understand and resolve issues that might be standing in the way of a healthy sexual relationship. It may focus on improving communication, managing stress, and building intimacy.

Sex addiction therapy combines psychotherapy and medication to treat sex addictions. It utilizes approaches such as CBT, exposure therapy, and couples therapy along with medications such as SSRI antidepressants or naltrexone to help people gain better control of their behavior.

Sleep therapy helps people improve their sleep. It can treat conditions such as insomnia, but it can also be helpful for other conditions that can be affected by poor sleep.

Solution-focused brief therapy focuses on finding solutions to a person's current problems. It focuses on helping people use their strengths and motivations to figure out how to handle different situations.

Somatic therapy is a body-centric approach to treating PTSD and other conditions. It incorporates breathwork, dance, meditation, mind-body exercises, and talk therapy.

Strengths-based therapy is an approach based on positive psychology that helps people recognize their strengths, build resilience, and build their sense of self-efficacy. 

Supportive-expressive therapy is a form of psychodynamic therapy that helps people improve their self-control when dealing with substance use issues. Research suggests that it can be effective in the treatment of substance use disorders when used alone or combined with other approaches.

Systemic therapy looks at the connections between the problems a person is facing, their behavior patterns, their relationships, and their life choices. Because all these areas are interconnected, changes in one area can also have resounding effects in other areas.

Transference-focused therapy is a treatment for borderline personality disorder that uses the relationship between a therapist and a client to help people change how they relate to other people. Therapists work with clients to create healthier relationships that support better well-being.

Trauma therapy helps people who have had traumatic experiences deal with the emotional aftermath. It may involve writing about these experiences, talking about their effects, or using exposure techniques to confront trauma triggers.

Specific types of trauma therapy include trauma-informed therapy and traumatic grief therapy .

Teletherapy , or online therapy, involves providing therapy online through video conferencing, online chat, internet phone, email, or text messaging. This approach has grown tremendously in recent years thanks to its convenience and effectiveness.

Yoga therapy is a mind-body approach that utilizes yoga movements, mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises to promote wellness and relaxation. While it uses yoga, it is much more than just a yoga class. Instead, it is a one-on-one session with a therapist that can help treat stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG. Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy . Front Psychiatry . 2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004

Rossman J. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia: An effective and underutilized treatment for insomnia . Am J Lifestyle Med . 2019;13(6):544-547. doi:10.1177/1559827619867677

May JM, Richardi TM, Barth KS. Dialectical behavior therapy as a treatment for borderline personality disorder . Ment Health Clin . 2016;6(2):62-67. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62

Twohig MP, Levin ME. Acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for anxiety and depression: A review . Psychiatr Clin N Am . 2017;40(4):751-770. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.009

Gloster AT, Walder N, Levin ME, Twohig MP, Karekla M. The empirical status of acceptance and commitment therapy: A review of meta-analyses . J Contextual Behav Sci . 2020;18:181-192. doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.09.009

American Psychological Association. Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits through self-knowledge .

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Family Therapy Can Help .

Varghese M, Kirpekar V, Loganathan S. Family interventions: basic principles and techniques . Indian J Psychiatry . 2020;62(Suppl 2):S192-S200. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_770_19

Van Lith T. Art therapy in mental health: A systematic review of approaches and practices . The Arts in Psychotherapy . 2016;47:9-22. doi:10.1016/j.aip.2015.09.003

Turner M, Beckwith H, Duschinsky R, et al. Attachment difficulties and disorders . InnovAiT . 2019;12(4):173. doi:10.1177/1755738018823817

Hildebrand A, Grand D, Stemmler M. Brainspotting – the efficacy of a new therapy approach for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in comparison to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing . Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology . 2017;Vol 5:No 1 (2017). doi:10.6092/2282-1619/2017.5.1376

Wachen JS, Dondanville KA, Young-McCaughan S, et al. Testing a variable-length cognitive processing therapy intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder in active duty military: Design and methodology of a clinical trial . Contemp Clin Trials Commun . 2019;15:100381. doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100381

Cuijpers P, Veen SC van, Sijbrandij M, Yoder W, Cristea IA. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Cognitive Behaviour Therapy . 2020;49(3):165-180. doi:10.1080/16506073.2019.1703801

Haynes PL, Gengler D, Kelly M. Social rhythm therapies for mood disorders: an update . Curr Psychiatry Rep . 2016;18(8):75. doi:10.1007/s11920-016-0712-3

Ulberg R, Ness E, Dahl HSJ, et al. Relational interventions in psychotherapy: development of a therapy process rating scale. BMC Psychiatry. 2016; 16 (310). doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1021-4

Leichsenring F, Ablon S, Barber JP, et al. Developing a prototype for short-term psychodynamic (supportive-expressive) therapy: An empirical study with the psychotherapy process Q-set . Psychotherapy Research . 2015;26(4). doi:10.1080/10503307.2015.1051160

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Different Types of Therapy: Choosing the Right Treatment

According to the National Association of Mental Illness (2021), 20.6% of US adults experienced mental health issues in 2019. Also in 2019, 19.2% of adults in the United States received some form of mental health treatment (Terlizzi & Zablotsky, 2020).

While there is no “one size fits all” treatment for improving mental health and wellbeing, there is a plethora of options available.

Choosing the right one can seem overwhelming and tedious. A helpful place to start is understanding the basic approaches and treatments available and how well they fit an individual’s unique needs. So, let’s start by looking at the basics.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free . These science-based exercises will provide you with detailed insight into Positive CBT and give you the tools to apply it in your therapy or coaching.

This Article Contains:

What are the different therapy modalities, 4 popular types of psychotherapy, 4 group therapy modalities, treating depression and anxiety, types of behavioral therapy, 4 types for couples therapy, for treating trauma, a look at children’s therapy, how to choose the right treatment, a take-home message.

Different types of therapy use a variety of modalities to treat clients. Modalities are essentially the tools a therapist or coach uses to help individuals reach their goals. The theoretical framework or approach often determines which modalities are appropriate.

For example, psychoanalytic therapy will use talk therapy, dream work, and catharsis techniques. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) will use mindfulness and psychoeducation.

Other types of modalities include somatic experiences , art therapy , play therapy, drama therapy , family therapy , yoga therapy , sand-tray therapy, and imago therapy just to name a few.

The most popular types of psychotherapy might use a variety of these modalities throughout the treatment process.

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ) is an evidence-based treatment founded on the premise that our thoughts control our emotions and behavior (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).

It is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that examines the link between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. In CBT sessions, clients will learn how to recognize cognitive distortions or “thinking traps,” such as all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing , and making faulty assumptions.

Once the negative thought pattern is identified, clients practice more rational and positive ways to view situations and experiences. Most CBT practitioners include a homework component so that clients can practice identifying and changing thoughts in real-life personal situations.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a form of CBT that aims to give people skills to regulate emotions, improve relationships, handle stress, and live mindfully.

It was originally created to treat people with borderline personality disorder, but it is now used to help people with a wide range of mental conditions (McKay, Wood, & Brantley, 2019). DBT teaches clients that our experiences are real, but radical acceptance , distress tolerance skills, and mindfulness can help us handle negative feelings, conflict, and impulsive tendencies.

DBT usually also has a homework component and can be done in individual or group sessions.

3. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy is one of the oldest approaches to therapy and emphasizes how past and present life events and relationships affect current feelings, relationships, and choices.

The goal is to help clients acknowledge and understand negative feelings, repressed emotions, and resolve internal psychological conflicts.

It is a popular treatment for people with depression and works to uncover memories, experiences, and dreams that helped to shape the client’s life and relationships.

4. Humanistic/Experiential Therapy

Humanistic/Experiential Therapy focuses on an individual’s nature rather than the collection of behaviors that make up a psychological category. It involves a holistic approach to emphasize the whole person and their ability to grow, heal, and find self-actualization through self-exploration.

This approach includes two popular techniques/modalities:

• Gestalt Therapy helps clients focus on “here and now” feelings and experiences rather than root causes. This approach uses experiential techniques like role-play, physical movement, and reenacting events to arouse emotions and understand how they happen.
• Person-Centered Therapy is based on the idea that individuals are capable of deciding what they want to explore and how they want to do it. For this reason, it is also known as a non-directive approach, where a therapist provides a supportive environment to investigate identity, feelings, experiences, and emotions to encourage growth and self-realization.

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Group therapy provides a great opportunity for people experiencing similar issues to join together to resolve them. Some of these issues may include relationship problems, medical issues, depression, anxiety , anger , trauma, addiction, and life transitions.

Group therapy can be defined as a meeting of two or more people with a common therapeutic purpose or to achieve a common goal (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1999). There are a few different approaches or modalities that group formats can use:

• Process-sensitive groups are directed by analytical theory. This format examines the unconscious processes of the group as a whole and helps individuals see themselves more clearly. The group as a whole views healing as an extension of the individuals within the group.
• A directive approach provides structured goals and therapist-directed interventions that help individuals change in desired ways. It is commonly used by alcohol and drug counselors.
• Heterogeneous groups include members who have a variety of diagnoses or mental health issues. The diverse make-up creates more complexity and provides opportunities for a range of relationships, which can benefit group members.
• Homogeneous groups, on the other hand, include group members with similar issues, goals, and backgrounds. These groups create a sense of cohesion and safety much more quickly, which may be useful in time-limited group interventions.

No matter what modality a group format takes, group therapy can be conducted within the context of nearly any theoretical framework that individual therapy can (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1999).

It is important for the group leader or therapist to use the framework and modality most appropriate for group members’ needs and goals.

Many people with anxiety also seek treatment for depression, and nearly half of individuals with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, n.d.).

As the statistics show, anxiety and depression are intricately connected. Depression is often triggered by a heightened state of anxiety, which leads to feelings of hopelessness and overwhelm, which creates more anxiety and stress – and the cycle continues.

One of the most effective methods of treating both anxiety and depression is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy . Our patterns of thought can change through neuroplasticity and the power of cognition (Schwartz & Begley, 2003). Neuroplasticity is essentially the ability of the brain to change, influencing our feelings, moods, actions, and the way we live.

Behavioral activation is another method of treating anxiety and depression (Pittman & Karle, 2015). Behavioral activation includes things like exercise, yoga, talking to friends, and taking part in self-care activities.

Some individuals with depression and/or anxiety may be unmotivated or afraid to participate in activities that are good for them. By forcing themselves to take action, clients may feel better physically and mentally and can break the cycle.

Exposure therapy is an evidence-based approach for treating anxiety that exposes clients to situations or objects that trigger anxiety or fear (Pittman & Karle, 2015). Through repeated exposure, clients can feel an increased sense of control.

Systematic desensitization is part of exposure therapy. It is a step-by-step approach to challenge fears gradually through exposure. This helps clients build confidence slowly and master skills for controlling panic. It involves learning relaxation skills, creating a list of scary situations, and working through steps.

While anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues, many forms of psychotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms. Behavioral therapy includes some of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression.

Behavioral therapy focuses on the role of learning in developing both normal and abnormal behaviors. It is a term used to describe a range of techniques that reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones (Staddon & Cerutti, 2003). The premise is that if old learning led to the development of a problem, new learning can fix it.

CBT, DBT, and exposure therapy are all types of behavioral therapy. Another is applied behavior analysis, which uses operant conditioning to shape and modify problematic behaviors.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is similar to CBT in that it helps clients identify negative or destructive thoughts and emotions. They can then actively challenge thoughts and replace them with more rational and realistic ones.

Social learning theory focuses on how people learn through observation. It is based on the idea that behavior change can occur through watching others being rewarded or punished.

There are many types of couples counseling to choose from depending on individual preferences and relationship goals (Bonior, 2017).

• The Gottman method is a research-backed approach to therapy that focuses on shared relationship histories, exploring areas of disagreement, identifying various triggers, discovering shared values, and learning tools to help manage conflict (Gottman Institute, n.d.).

The Gottman method hones in on the “four horsemen” that destroys relationships: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

• Discernment counseling was developed for conflicted couples where one partner wants to save the relationship and one wants to end it.

It is a short-term approach designed to bring clarity to both partners by considering all options and making an ultimate decision on the fate of the relationship.

• Emotion-focused therapy is another well-researched and tested form of couples therapy.

In this type of counseling, each partner will share specific problems in the relationship and work to identify, explore, and make sense of underlying emotions that contribute to the problem. By addressing more vulnerable emotions, partners can access deeper emotions and find connection.

• Imago relationship therapy sees a couple’s issues as a result of unmet childhood needs and unhealed wounds.

These become sensitivities, conflicts, or pain points. The three-step process involves mirroring, validating concerns, and expressing empathy.

Each of these forms of couples therapy has scientific evidence to support its efficacy for improving relationships.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to be a chronic condition associated with debilitating physical illness such as heart disease, type II diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, premature aging, and a greater likelihood of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders (Goldstein et al., 2016).

The American Psychological Association recommends the use of evidence-based treatments for PTSD. These treatments include Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Stress Inoculation Training, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive Processing Therapy is an exposure-based form of CBT that uses 12 sessions to treat clients with rape-related PTSD and veterans and military personnel (Resick & Schnicke, 1992).

The exposure component of therapy is a written account of the trauma. Most of therapy is spent analyzing the meaning of the traumatic event and training the client to challenge distorted beliefs about the event, themselves, and the world using Socratic questioning .

Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT is a component-based hybrid approach of trauma-sensitive interventions; cognitive-behavioral principles; and attachment, family, empowerment, and humanistic theoretical models.

It includes 12–18 sessions that address traumatic events and resolve PTSD symptoms, and it has been shown to be particularly helpful for children and adolescents (Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger, 2006).

Stress Inoculation Training

Stress Inoculation Training was developed to reduce anxiety and manage stress while learning relaxation and coping skills (Meichenbaum, 1985). As an instructional coping skill approach, it also facilitates new adaptive responses to trauma-related stimuli using muscle relaxation, breath control, role-play, thought stopping, and guided self-dialogue.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

EMDR emphasizes the brain’s role in information processing and has been the subject of extensive research (Shapiro, 2017).

It conceptualizes insufficiently processed memories of trauma. The practitioner directs the client to move their eyes from side to side simultaneously (or practice another form of repetitive behavior) to desensitize the traumatic memory and reprocess it to something more adaptive.

Play therapy may be an appropriate choice for children ages 4–12. It is a form of treatment that helps children and families express emotions, improve communication, and solve problems (Cohen et al., 2006).

It may include specific activities such as drawing family scenes, using puppets to act out events, creating scenes in a sand tray (sand-tray therapy), or playing therapeutic board games. Research has shown that play therapy can buffer the effects of trauma and loss, reduce anxiety and depression, help with behavioral issues, and improve a child’s ability to manage social and academic difficulties (Cohen et al., 2006).

Also read our article on Therapy for Kids and Choosing the Right Child Therapist .

Which TYPE of therapy is right? – Kati Morton

Choosing the right form of therapy can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task. The most important thing to consider is how well the type of treatment meets individual goals and preferences.

Identifying specific client goals is the first step. This motivation and goal-setting worksheet is a great place to start.

Clarifying specific goals and motivation for therapy can lead clients to the most appropriate treatment modalities.

For example, if an individual wants to decrease their levels of anxiety or get rid of a phobia, looking for a therapist who specializes in exposure therapy and anxiety disorders would be a good place to start.

If a couple is torn between staying together and splitting up, a couples therapy approach of discernment counseling might be the best option.

These questions and goals are ideal after considering practical issues such as whether insurance will cover mental health costs, what is affordable, and what services are offered in the client’s geographical area. A doctor or professional in the field may be able to provide specific referrals.

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Once goals and practical therapy options are identified, many therapists and coaches will offer a free consultation or more information before scheduling an appointment.

During this time, potential clients can ask questions and gain a better understanding of therapist fit, length of expected treatment, and specific techniques that will be used.

Therapy and mental health treatment should be a safe, systematic, gradual process to reaching wellness goals (Mental Health America, n.d.).

With the prevalence of mental health issues across the globe and the increased acceptance and availability of online counseling services, people have a lot of choices.

Making informed and calculated decisions regarding therapy can mean the difference between suffering and flourishing.

And everyone deserves the chance to live their best life .

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. For more information, don’t forget to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free .

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