Types of Psychotherapy
When it comes to psychotherapy, there are plenty of different types that counselors and therapists can use for the various needs of their clients. Those seeking therapy have very unique goals and responses to different therapy methods. This is why there must be options; if someone does not respond well to one method, there are different paths to the same place of healing and mental health. Therapy is not meant to be a one-size-fits-all experience!
The various approaches are usually sorted underneath one or more of the 5 psychotherapy categories:
Psychodynamic Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Like all areas of expertise, the hierarchy and ranking system of terms and techniques varies from individual to individual. For example, many people group together the 2nd and 3rd categories into one and call it Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. There are also some therapists and experts who put different approaches like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as a category. Regardless of however a counselor chooses to categorize the approaches and categories, though, the definition and foundation stays relatively the same.
An Overview of Psychotherapy Categories
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of therapy based on psychoanalytic theory, which is largely attributed to Sigmund Freud, but has been refined and developed further after his death. This method involves a strong working partnership between therapists and their patients as they work through the unconscious motivations behind the behaviors, thoughts, feelings, reasonings, or situations that the patient brings to the table.
Behavioral therapy focuses solely on the underlying cause of specific unhealthy, negative, and self-destructive behaviors. This includes conditioned behaviors and disorders like OCD, amongst other things. Many times, therapists and patients will examine how the patients’ current or previous environment and mental state influenced their behaviors. Using measurable results, behavioral therapy is also used to develop healthier behaviors.
Cognitive therapy, then, is therapy focused on thoughts - more specifically, destructive thoughts that might contribute to negative feelings or unhealthy behaviors. By addressing the initial dysfunctional thought pattern, patients can have better control of the way they feel and the things they do. Cognitive-behavioral therapy was developed using the close connection between thoughts and actions, and comes in handy when dealing with issues like phobias, which deal with both cognitive and behavioral issues.
Humanistic therapy contains three popular types within the category - subcategories, almost. Client-centered therapy puts therapists and clients on equal ground. It is a non-directive approach with the counselor acting more as a collegial, collaborative partner that listens with care, concern, and interest while the client works through their issues. Gestalt therapy emphasizes the client’s ability to focus on the present and accept the past, which is sometimes referred to as ‘organismic holism.’ Finally, existential therapy is an approach focused on free-will, self-determination, and the search for meaning. Humanistic therapies revolve around potential, rational choices, and understanding.
Integrative therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, is the combination of several different therapy types. This type of therapy is sometimes seen as a movement instead of a type of therapy because of its ability to tailor sessions to clients’ unique issues. It offers flexible and inclusive treatments that therapists and counselors who only practice one form of therapy sometimes cannot offer.
Types of Psychotherapy Approaches
The 5 categories of therapy encompass the many different approaches that therapists, counselors, and psychologists utilize. Some popular forms of psychotherapy include but are not limited to:
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Interpersonal Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Play Therapy
Art Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Relational Therapy
The Benefit of Counselors with Specialties and Focus Areas
With so many different approaches and methods available, it might seem overwhelming trying to decide what it is that you need, but it really means that there are many ways to heal. Having these options available is essential for all who are seeking therapy, but especially for those seeking it for the first time. It is not an uncommon occurrence for a client to not connect with the first therapist or their methods that they meet.
Don’t give up!
Find a counselor that works for you, whether they specialize in one therapeutic approach or several. What is important at the end of the day isn’t the label on a therapist’s website, but the fact that you continue to seek out ways to break the detrimental cycles, thoughts, behaviors, or other issues that you struggle with.
Get a Free Consultation with Dawn Pendleton, Louisville Therapist
Dawn Pendleton specializes in EMDR, trauma therapy, the LGBTQIA+ sphere, sports and performance enhancement, and other approaches at Pendleton Counseling Collaborative in Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in learning more about her services or seeing if you would be a good match, book a free 15-minute consultation appointment today.
If you or someone you love is looking for a reliable, trustworthy counselor with specialties in the LGBTQIA+ community, sports and performance enhancement, and those affected by trauma, Dawn Pendleton of Pendleton Counseling Collaborative, EMDR-certified and Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, is currently accepting new clients. With over 20 years of experience working in both the public and private sectors of the mental health field, Dawn is licensed to provide in-person and telehealth services in both Kentucky and Indiana. Feel free to fill out an inquiry form with any additional questions, call (502) 377-1690, or visit her website to book an appointment.