What Are the Different Types of Therapy?

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Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

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Therapy can be a helpful tool for potentiallyreducing symptoms of mental health diseases or disorders and overall well-being.Generally, “it involves meeting with a trained therapist to address and work through psychological issues, emotional struggles, relationship problems, and more,” says Michelle English, a licensed clinical social worker and Executive Clinical Manager for Healthy Life Recovery.

There are various types of therapy available, each with its own unique approach and focus. Knowing which one to choose for your wellness journey can be a process, but having a little background on each can help. Here is a high-level overview of some of the most common types of therapy available to give you a good idea of which one might be the right fit.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing patterns of thinking and patterns of behavior to help combat symptoms for a range of medical problems, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. CBT is based on the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected, and by changing one of these aspects, we can positively impact the others,” says English.

Per English, CBT is often used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and other mood disorders. It can also be effective for addressing relationship issues and managing stress. This type of therapy typically involves a set number of sessions and utilizes techniques such as cognitive restructuring (a process to help people notice and change certain thinking patterns), behavior modification, and relaxation techniques.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is what most people may think of when they hear the term “talk therapy” or “psychoanalysis”. “This approach focuses on exploring the unconscious mind to understand how past experiences may be influencing current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors,” says English.

This therapeutic practice typically involves open-ended sessions where the client is encouraged to freely associate and explore their inner thoughts and feelings. “Psychodynamic therapy can be helpful for addressing long-standing emotional issues, relationship conflicts, and self-awareness,” adds English.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, or SFBT, is a type of therapy that generally focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. “This approach is based on the idea that individuals are capable of finding their own solutions if they are given the right tools and guidance,” explains English.

SFBT can often be used to help address short-term issues or crises, such as overcoming a specific phobia or improving communication in a particular relationship. It typically involves setting achievable goals and working towards them through targeted interventions and techniques.

Holistic Therapy

Like the name suggests, holistic therapy generally takes a whole-person approach to mental health, addressing not only psychological issues but also a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. “It aims to create balance and harmony within all aspects of an individual’s life,” says English.

This type of therapy may incorporate various techniques including mindfulness practices, meditation, nutrition counseling, and more. Holistic therapy could potentially be beneficial for “those seeking a more natural and integrative approach to mental health,” English explains.

Somatic Therapy

This type of therapy is generally described as a combination of mind and body balancing work that is typically used to help people navigate conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, anxiety, grief, addiction and depression. Sessions can include a combination of talk therapy, mindfulness practices, and exercises where you focus on past experiences and work through them. Somatic therapy can include the following types of practices, for example:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured approach typically designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories . “EMDR can be instrumental in processing past traumas that may have been carried for decades, promoting emotional healing even late in life,” says Ajita M. Robinson, PhD, a licensed clinical professional counselor and national certified counselor with training in grief and trauma.

Brainspotting: A method that locates points in a person’s visual field to help process certain, potentially unprocessed trauma within the brain. “Given brainspotting’s basis in the body's natural self-scanning and self-healing abilities, it can be especially suitable for seniors who have experienced a lifetime of emotional challenges,” says Robinson. “It may be helpful when individuals are having psychological and physiological responses and/or gaps in memory and words to name their experiences,” she adds.

Expressive Arts Therapy: This type of therapy can offer avenues for self-expression beyond words. “Through painting, music, writing, or dance, seniors can explore and articulate complex emotions, find comfort in creativity, and often, rediscover aspects of their identity,” says Robinson.

Narrative Therapy: This generally involves re-authoring one's life story, recognizing the richness of the past while embracing the opportunity to impact/rewrite the future. “It can be empowering for seniors to recount their experiences, reaffirm their values, and envision their legacy,” Robinson explains.

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