Eclectic therapy

Clinically reviewed by Grow Therapy Clinical Review Team

Eclectic therapy refers to an approach where therapists combine different techniques from a variety of therapy modalities based on their client’s needs. In eclectic therapy, mental health thoughtfully combine strategies from various therapeutic modalities, creating a treatment plan that adapts to each person’s unique situation. Eclectic therapy is a theory-driven process in which clinicians create a custom treatment plan based on the unique needs of each client.

In this article

What are the origins of eclectic therapy?

Eclectic therapy, which is also known as integrative or multimodal therapy, became popular in the mid-20th century when psychologists began recognizing the limitations of relying on one type of therapy for clients whose needs were more intricate. Arnold Lazarus, the creator of multimodal therapy, challenged the “one-size-fits-all” mindset. He believed that people have different needs and require different kinds of support. Since human experiences are complex, eclectic therapy provides a more personalized and effective approach to treatment.

When is eclectic therapy used?

Eclectic therapy’s versatility makes it applicable across a wide range of mental health conditions and personal challenges. Its comprehensive approach allows therapists to address complex psychological issues that might not respond to more traditional, singular therapeutic methods.

Some primary conditions where eclectic therapy is effective include:

What are the different types of eclectic therapy?

Over time, combinations of therapeutic techniques and modalities have become more commonly used. Types of eclectic therapy have emerged, including:

Brief eclectic psychotherapy (BEP)

This is a structured, short-term form of therapy that helps individuals process trauma and develop coping strategies within a set timeframe. In BEP, clinicians combine different therapy styles like changing thought patterns and understanding past experiences to help people heal from trauma.

Multi-modal therapy

Multi-modal therapy looks at seven areas of a person’s life: behavior, emotions, physical sensations, mental images, thoughts, relationships, and biological factors. Therapists assess each area to create a personalized treatment plan that might include relaxation techniques, changing thought patterns, improving social skills, and changing behaviors.

Cognitive-interpersonal therapy

Cognitive-interpersonal therapy combines cognitive therapy with a focus on relationships. It helps people understand how their thoughts affect their interactions with others. The therapy teaches skills for better communication and managing emotions, which is helpful for relationship problems, social anxiety, and depression.

Transtheoretical therapy

Therapists often use principles from the transtheoretical model to align interventions with a client’s stage of change, especially when working on issues like addiction or lifestyle modifications. It moves through five stages: not thinking about change, considering change, preparing for change, taking action, and maintaining changes.

Therapists choose methods that fit each stage, helping clients build motivation, make plans, and keep up positive changes. It’s suitable for addressing behaviors like addiction or lifestyle changes.

Affirmative therapy

Affirmative therapy is an approach that fosters a supportive, identity-affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. It combines different therapeutic methods to help people explore and feel confident about their identity, deal with discrimination, and build a strong support system.

Trauma treatment

For people dealing with trauma and PTSD, therapists often use a mix of approaches. One popular method is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which helps people safely process difficult memories. This can be combined with other techniques to help manage trauma symptoms.

How does eclectic therapy work?

Eclectic therapy combines techniques from different types of evidence-based therapy modalities to create a personalized treatment plan. Your therapist will choose methods that work best for your specific needs. They can adjust your treatment plan along the way.

Here’s how it generally works:

Assessment – The therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to learn about you and your specific concerns.
Choosing the right tools – The therapist will then carefully select the most effective techniques from different types of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Creating a personalized plan – They will combine these techniques into a unique treatment plan just for you.
Regular check-ins – Throughout the process, the therapist will regularly check in with you to see what’s working and adjust the plan as needed.
Working together towards your goals – You and your therapist will work together to set realistic goals and track your progress.

The strength of eclectic therapy lies in its adaptability. By blending methods from multiple therapeutic models, it offers an effective way to address mental health challenges.

What is eclectic therapy like?

An eclectic therapy session is a personalized experience that often feels more like a friendly conversation than a rigid treatment. During your initial consultation, your therapist will carefully review your medical history (and sometimes family history), and discuss your current life challenges and emotional struggles.

You’ll work together to set clear goals for therapy — sometimes in the format of SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Your goals will be based on what you hope to achieve during therapy, and what you want your life to look like after therapy. Your therapist will create a custom treatment plan that draws on the theories and techniques the feel will help you the most.

Each eclectic therapy experience is unique. Your therapist will adapt their approach based on your needs as therapy progresses. Sessions may include various technique from modalities such as:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and modify problematic behaviors
Exposure therapy to gradually and safely help you manage specific fears and phobias
Mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and increase emotional awareness
Psychodynamic exploration to understand how past experiences shape current behaviors
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help you accept emotions and thoughts with compassion instead of focusing on changing them
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for processing traumatic memories.
Emotional regulation exercises to build better coping mechanisms
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety

The length of treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all — it can range from short-term interventions to longer-term support, depending on what the client needs and hopes to achieve. You might benefit from shorter, more intensive interventions or require longer-term, ongoing support. Eclectic therapy can occur in various settings, including individual sessions, group therapy, family counseling, or couples therapy. Eclectic therapy can take place either in person or online.

How to find a clinician who practices eclectic therapy

If you think eclectic therapy might be right for you, it’s important to speak with a licensed and experienced clinician. There are many types of mental health care providers who practice eclectic therapy, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and more.

On top of finding someone specializing in eclectic therapy, you want to make sure they meet your other needs. For example, if you struggle with an anxiety disorder, you’ll want to find an eclectic therapist who also specializes in treating anxiety. In addition, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can make therapy much more affordable.

You can find a therapist who accepts your insurance and specializes in eclectic therapy by using Grow Therapy. After filtering for your location, insurance, and needs, you can then select “Eclectic” from the “Treatment methods” drop-down.

Next up in A Guide to Types of Therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

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This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.