Different types of therapy
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all — it comes in a variety of forms to address diverse needs and preferences. Different types of therapy, also referred to as “therapy modalities”, offer unique approaches to managing mental health challenges, whether they involve deep, introspective methods or more structured, skills-based techniques. Exploring the options can help you find a therapeutic approach that resonates with you and supports your personal goals. From traditional talk therapy to experiential approaches, this guide breaks down some of the most common types of therapy available today.
Should I look for a therapist with a particular specialization?
Seeking a therapist with a specialization, certification, or experience relevant to your personal concern — such as eating disorders, phobias, substance use, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — can be helpful for focused, effective treatment. Some therapy modalities are tailored to specific issues, like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or exposure therapy for phobias.
Choosing a therapist with expertise in a particular approach or condition can make your therapy experience more impactful, offering techniques that are specifically designed to address the challenges you’re facing.
Should I choose in-person or online therapy?
In-person and virtual therapy are both effective, but one may work better than the other for certain people for a variety of reasons. In-person sessions may provide a sense of structure and a personal connection, while online therapy offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to access care from the comfort of your home.
Online therapy can be a cost-effective choice, as it often reduces travel expenses and offers more accessible scheduling. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and comfort with either format, as both are provided by licensed mental health professionals dedicated to quality care.
What’s the difference between coaching, counseling, and therapy?
Coaching, counseling, and therapy each provide support but differ in their goals and methods. Coaching focuses on personal or professional growth, setting and achieving goals, and may not address deep emotional issues. Coaches are not required to hold a mental health license, and coaching is not typically covered by insurance.
“Counseling” can refer to a few different things — certain types of counselors, such as school counselors and Certified Grief Counselors do not require a mental health license. But other types, like Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). Counseling from these licensed professionals typically addresses specific issues, such as stress or relationship concerns, in a more structured way.
Therapy, or psychotherapy, involves exploring deeper emotional and mental health concerns, often over a longer period, and is conducted by licensed professionals trained in evidence-based treatment approaches.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists are both qualified to treat mental health conditions but differ in their training and approach. Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and focus on therapy, counseling through behavioral interventions, and psychological testing.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who can prescribe medication and manage complex mental health issues that may require pharmaceutical intervention. While both work to improve mental health, their roles may complement each other, especially for people needing a combination of therapy and medication.
What is marriage and family therapy?
Marriage and family therapy is a specialized type of therapy that addresses issues within relationships, whether between couples or within a family unit. In marriage and family therapy, couples and families work with licensed providers to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds by focusing on family dynamics and relational patterns.
This type of therapy considers the impact of each member on the family system as a whole, helping people and groups better understand and support each other.
Couples counseling and family systems therapy fall under this category. This kind of therapy is often provided by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), and psychologists. All of these professionals can also work with individuals, not just couples or families.
What’s the difference between marriage counseling, couples counseling, and couples therapy?
When it comes to couples and marriages, the biggest difference between counseling and therapy boils down to who is providing the service. Counseling can be provided by non-licensed individuals, such as a member of the clergy, and often focuses on challenges like trust, intimacy, and other present issues.
Therapy, however, is offered by a licensed mental health provider and often dives deeper — addressing longstanding patterns and psychological factors influencing the relationship. It may also incorporate therapeutic techniques to foster emotional insight and long-term growth in the relationship. Therapists are sometimes called counselors, so don’t be afraid to ask a potential provider for clarification about their qualifications.
There is no distinct difference between therapy for a married couple versus a non-married couple, with the exception of things that may be exclusive to legal marriages (such as prenuptial agreements or property rights).
What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a form of counseling that family members attend together. Families attend therapy for many reasons, including but not limited to parenting challenges, communication difficulties, and life changes.
Some sessions are held with everyone present, others only include select people, and sometimes family members will meet with the therapist one-on-one. Family therapy addresses family dynamics and the way people within a family interact and influence one another.
Family therapists may explore relational patterns and roles, helping members understand each other’s perspectives and work together toward mutual respect and understanding. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster a healthier, more supportive family environment.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a structured form of therapy where people with similar challenges or goals meet regularly with a licensed therapist. Group members may discuss personal experiences and insights in a safe, supportive setting, learning from each other’s perspectives and gaining a sense of community.
Group therapy can address a range of issues, from anxiety and depression to grief and substance use, offering participants the opportunity to build skills, receive feedback, and explore their emotions with the guidance of a therapist and the support of peers.
What is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people accept challenging emotions and thoughts rather than trying to change them. The approach encourages people to identify their values and commit to actions that align with those values.
ACT integrates mindfulness techniques to promote present-focused awareness and enhance psychological flexibility, offering concrete tools for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Learn more about ACT here.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that affect behavior and emotions.
CBT is commonly used to treat conditions like depression and anxiety, helping people develop healthier thinking habits and coping skills. The therapy combines practical exercises and homework assignments to help people apply positive changes to their daily lives. Learn more about CBT here.
What is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of therapy initially developed for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD). Now, DBT is widely used for other conditions, including mood disorders and trauma.
DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help people regulate emotions, manage stress, and improve interpersonal relationships. Core skills taught in DBT include distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Learn more about DBT here.
What is exposure therapy?
While it might seem counterintuitive for someone to expose themself to something that makes them uncomfortable, exposure therapy does just that. Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people confront fears and anxieties by gradually and safely exposing them to the source of their distress.
Over time, people learn that the feared outcome does not necessarily occur — for example, going near a body of water will not result in drowning — and people become desensitized to the feared situations or stimuli. Exposure therapy also includes learning coping strategies to manage responses to the stimuli.
This approach is particularly effective for anxiety disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn more about exposure therapy here.
What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a trauma-focused therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories.
During EMDR, the therapist guides clients to recall distressing memories while performing specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic experiences. EMDR is particularly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as it helps clients reprocess painful memories in a gentle way that reduces their lingering effects.
What is Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes self-awareness and the present moment. It fosters emotional growth and healing through exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in real-time — focusing on process (how the communication is happening about the topic) over content (the topic being discussed).
Developed by Fritz Perls, this therapy often involves experiential exercises, such as role-playing, to help clients explore unresolved emotions and past experiences that affect their current life. Gestalt therapy focuses on personal responsibility, helping people build self-awareness to foster more authentic and satisfying relationships. Learn more about Gestalt therapy here.
What is humanistic therapy?
Humanistic therapy emphasizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and the belief that we all have the power to make positive changes in our lives. This form of therapy, influenced by thinkers like Carl Rogers, focuses on helping clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and recognize their inherent worth.
Rather than dwelling on past issues, humanistic therapy encourages clients to focus on the present, fostering self-awareness and empowerment. It aims to create a supportive environment where people feel respected and capable of achieving their full potential.
What is interpersonal therapy?
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a short-term, structured approach that focuses on improving communication and addressing relational issues that may contribute to mental health challenges like depression. By exploring how past and present relationships affect emotional well-being, clients learn to develop healthier patterns and cope with interpersonal stressors.
IPT provides practical tools to build stronger, more supportive connections and is especially beneficial for those experiencing conflict in personal relationships, significant life transitions, or social isolation.
What is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)?
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured program designed to help people manage stress, anxiety, and pain through mindfulness and meditation practices.
MBSR encourages a heightened awareness of the present moment and teaches people to observe their thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally, promoting a sense of calm and clarity. This practice is widely used to reduce stress and improve overall mental health, with benefits that extend into daily life. Learn more about MBSR here.
What is psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud that explores unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories to understand their influence on current behaviors and emotions. By looking into early life experiences and unresolved conflicts, psychoanalysis seeks to bring hidden aspects of the psyche to conscious awareness, helping people gain insight and achieve emotional relief.
The process often involves techniques like free association and dream analysis, enabling clients to explore and resolve deeply rooted issues. Learn more about psychoanalysis here.
What is rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)?
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach developed by Albert Ellis that focuses on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs that lead to emotional distress.
By recognizing these beliefs and replacing them with rational, constructive thoughts, clients learn to manage stress, anxiety, and frustration more effectively. REBT emphasizes the idea that changing one’s thought patterns can significantly impact emotions and behaviors, fostering a more balanced, realistic outlook on life. Learn more about REBT here.