Types of Therapy

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Def: A psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns

Purpose: reduce anxiety, depression, and unhealthy behaviors

Key points: structured, goal-oriented, evidence-based

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Def: A therapy combining CBT with mindfulness techniques

Purpose: helps individuals with emotional regulation and borderline personality disorder

Key points: includes skills training and distress tolerance

Exposure Therapy

Def: A therapy where individuals are gradually exposed to feared situations

Purpose: treat phobias, OCD, and PTSD

Key points: reduces avoidance behaviors through controlled exposure

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Def: Therapy addressing trauma-related symptoms

Purpose: treat PTSD or acute stress disorder

Key points: focuses on processing traumatic memories safely

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Def: A behavioral therapy that uses reinforcement to increase positive behaviors

Purpose: often used for autism spectrum disorder

Key points: systematic, individualized interventions

Behavior Modification

Def: Therapy using rewards and consequences to change behavior

Purpose: treat behavioral disorders like ODD or conduct disorder

Key points: focuses on observable behaviors

Family Therapy

Def: Therapy involving family members to improve communication and functioning

Purpose: support individuals with behavioral or mental health issues

Key points: addresses family dynamics and problem-solving

Group Therapy

Deep: Therapy conducted with multiple participants

Purpose: provide support, share experiences, and teach coping skills

Key points: peer support and social learning

Supportive Therapy

Def: A therapy providing emotional support and guidance

Purpose: help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, or depression

Key points: focuses on encouragement and problem-solving

Occupational Therapy

Def: Therapy that helps individuals gain skills for daily living

Purpose: improve independence in personal care, work, and school

Key points: often used for developmental disorders

Speech Therapy

Def: Therapy addressing communication difficulties

Purpose: improve speech, language, and social communication skills

Key points: commonly used for ASD or language delays

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Def: Therapy teaching awareness of the present moment

Purpose: reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms

Key points: includes meditation and relaxation techniques

Play Therapy

Def: Therapy using play to help children express emotions and resolve conflicts

Purpose: treat emotional or behavioral issues in children

Key points: non-verbal, child-centered approach

Art Therapy

Def: Therapy using creative art activities

Purpose: help individuals process emotions and reduce stress

Key points: expressive, non-verbal, supportive

Psychodynamic Therapy

Def: Therapy exploring unconscious thoughts and past experiences

Purpose: understand emotional conflicts influencing current behavior

Key points: insight-oriented

Motivational Interviewing

Def: A therapy using guided conversation to increase motivation for change

Purpose: treat substance use or behavior change

Key points: collaborative, client-centered

Rational Emotive Therapy (RET)

Def: A cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge irrational beliefs

Purpose: reduce emotional distress and self-defeating behaviors

Key points: focuses on changing thoughts to improve feelings and actions

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Def: Therapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic memories using guided eye movements.

Purpose: reduce emotional impact of trauma and treat PTSD or anxiety.

Key Notes: done with a trained therapist, helps brain reprocess memories, often combined with talk therapy, effective for trauma recovery.