Types of Psychotherapy

psychodynamic therapy

• focuses on unconscious processes and their influence on behavior

• explores early childhood experiences

• increases insight

• transference/countertransference

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• identifies and challenges distorted thoughts and beliefs

• goal-oriented interventions

• often used for PTSD, phobias as well as depression/anxiety

• cognitive restructuring

dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• combines CBT with mindfulness and acceptance

• regulate emotions, reduce self-harm

• distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness

• used for BPD and other mood disorders or severe trauma

humanistic therapy

• personal growth, self-actualization

• capacity for change

• self-esteem building, positive regard, empathy, reflective listening

• relationship issues, existential crises

solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

• solutions over problems

• builds on strengths

• short term, goal-oriented

• often for time-limited interventions, family therapy, workplace

motivational interviewing (MI)

• client-centered, directive approach

• aligning behavior with personal goals

• open-ended, reflective listening, affirmations

• substance use disorders, health behavioral issues

attachment-based therapy

• focuses on impact of early attachment relationships on emotional function

• builds trust and connection

• identifies attachment needs

• best for trauma, relationships, emotional dysregulation

family systems therapy

• problems viewed in the context of family dynamics and interactions

• improving communication and relationship conflicts

• uses genograms, role-playing, role exploration

trauma-focused CBT

• integrates psycho-education, relaxation training, exposure techniques

• adapts CBT to impacts of trauma

• best for youth w PTSD symptoms

acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• encourages accepting difficult emotions

• commit to value-based actions

• mindfulness exercises

• anxiety, depression, chronic pain

behavioral therapy

• observable behaviors and their environmental influences

• uses reinforcement or punishment

• token economies/behavior contracts

• phobias, OCD, child behavior management

interpersonal therapy (IPT)

• focused on improving relationships and social functioning

• grief, role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits

• processing grief

• sometimes time-limited

narrative therapy

• views problems as separate from identity

• encourages individuals to rewrite their story

• explores socio-cultural narratives

• alternative perspectives

play therapy

• mainly used with children

• express feelings and resolve conflicts through play

• directive or non-directive

• builds safe relationship with therapist

eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

• reducing distress from traumatic memories

• exposure therapy + guided eye movements

• 8-phase protocol

• mainly for PTSD, complex trauma

emotion-focused therapy (EFT)

• identifying, expressing, and regulating emotions

• emotions shape relationships and overall well-being

• process underlying feelings, identify emotions related to relationships

• couples therapy

gestalt therapy

• present-moment awareness

• clients take ownership of their experiences

• role-playing, empty chair technique

• exploring mind, body, and emotions

• self-esteem issues, personal growth

mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

• mindfulness practices with CBT

• meditation, present moment awareness

• challenge automatic negative thoughts

• breathing exercises

• used for depression and stress