Types of Therapy

Seeking therapy can be an important step in supporting mental well-being, but finding the right therapeutic approach may take some exploration. The most effective type of therapy depends on each person’s needs and preferences.

Some common types of therapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies unhelpful thought patterns and provides tools to challenge those thoughts and replace them with more realistic perspectives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting difficult feelings and committing to valued actions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it combines CBT and mindfulness techniques.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how unconscious drives, mental processes and childhood experiences impact current functioning and patterns in relationships.
Humanistic Therapy: Aims to help people achieve personal growth and self-actualization by taking responsibility for their own life choices.

Choosing a Therapist

The therapeutic relationship is key, so feel empowered to interview potential therapists before committing. Consider whether you feel comfortable opening up to them. An effective therapist will meet you where you are with empathy and compassion.

Setting Goals for Therapy

It’s helpful to identify specific goals and desired outcomes. For example, you may hope to better manage difficult emotions, heal from past trauma, improve relationships, develop self-confidence, or make progress on personal growth.

Being Open to the Process

The therapeutic process can bring up challenging feelings, but that is often part of the path toward healing. Trust that you and your therapist can handle what comes up with courage and care.

FAQ

What are the most common types of therapy?

Some of the most common types of therapy are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

How do I choose the right therapist for me?

When choosing a therapist, consider whether you feel comfortable opening up to them and if you connect well with their therapeutic style and approach. Interview a few potential therapists before deciding.

What happens during therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions involve discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to your reasons for seeking therapy. The therapist will listen without judgement, help increase insight and awareness, and support making progress on therapeutic goals.

How often should I attend therapy?

Most people attend therapy on a weekly basis at first. Over time, if progress goes well, sessions may shift to every other week or monthly. Consistency is important, especially early on.

How do I know if therapy is working?

Signs that therapy is helpful include feeling more empowered in daily life, building understanding of yourself, growing emotionally, improving relationships, and making steady progress toward your therapeutic goals.