A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Therapy and Their Benefits
This guide reviews five major categories of therapy: Psychodynamic therapy, Behavioral therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Humanistic therapy, and Experiential therapy. It also includes related approaches such as Family Therapy and Group Therapy. In addition, distinctions like Counseling vs Therapy, Psychodynamic vs Psychoanalytic, and the concept of Trauma Informed Care are clarified.
Different types of therapy provide structured approaches to addressing mental health conditions, personal challenges, and emotional difficulties. While methods differ, the shared goal is to reduce distress and improve functioning.
Table of Contents
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences to understand how they influence current behaviors and emotions.
How It Works
Psychodynamic Therapy examines themes in emotions, relationships, and thought patterns. Sessions often involve exploring formative experiences, recurring conflicts, and underlying motivations. Compared to Psychoanalysis, which can involve multiple weekly sessions over several years, Psychodynamic Therapy is generally less intensive.
Conditions Treated
Psychodynamic Therapy is often applied to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Somatic symptoms
- Substance use disorder
- Interpersonal difficulties
Psychodynamic vs Psychoanalytic
The two approaches share roots but differ in format and intensity. Psychoanalytic Therapy is generally more frequent and longer in duration, whereas Psychodynamic Therapy is often once a week and more time-limited.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy is an action-oriented approach that focuses on modifying learned behaviors. The goal is to replace problematic patterns with healthier alternatives.
How It Works
Behavioral Therapy emphasizes observable actions rather than unconscious motivations. Treatment focuses on developing new behavioral responses that reduce distress and improve functioning.
Subtypes of Behavioral Therapy
- Systematic Desensitization: Combines relaxation techniques with gradual exposure to fears.
- Aversion Therapy: Pairs unwanted behaviors with negative cues to discourage them.
- Flooding: Exposes individuals to feared situations directly and intensively.
Conditions Treated
Behavioral Therapy is often used for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Phobias
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Oppositional or defiant behavior
- Substance use disorder
- Behavioral challenges related to communication or emotional regulation
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) integrates elements of both cognitive and behavioral approaches. It focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact.
How It Works
CBT helps individuals identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier perspectives and actions. Treatment often includes structured exercises and homework, such as journaling or thought records, to reinforce skills outside of sessions.
Jonathan E. Goldberg, Ph.D., licensed psychologist and clinical instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, explains:
“CBT focuses on the interaction of thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how these different components correspond to different mental illnesses (e.g., anxiety and mood disorders).
With CBT, a clinician works with an individual to understand how automatic, negative thoughts can contribute to emotional feelings as well as physical feelings and how the individual can engage in positive behaviors that help to manage these feelings. Behaviors can be adaptive or maladaptive, meaning behaviors can lead to healthier levels of functioning or can lead to poorer levels of functioning.”
Source: NAMI
Subtypes of CBT
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Specifically designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT teaches skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and making healthy choices.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Challenges irrational beliefs to reduce distress and improve functioning.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings while working toward meaningful goals and values.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Emphasize present-moment awareness and reducing stress through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and resolving conflicts that may contribute to mental health concerns.
Conditions Treated
CBT has been shown effective for:
- Depression and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders and phobias
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Insomnia
- Certain symptoms of schizophrenia
Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy emphasizes personal growth and self-acceptance. It is based on the belief that individuals are capable of understanding their own experiences and making positive changes.
How It Works
This approach encourages individuals to explore their feelings, values, and identity in a supportive environment. The therapist provides empathy and unconditional positive regard while allowing the client to lead the direction of sessions.
Subtypes of Humanistic Therapy
- Existential Therapy: Focuses on freedom, responsibility, and meaning in life.
- Person-Centered Therapy: Prioritizes empathy and acceptance to promote self-growth.
- Gestalt Therapy: Addresses unresolved issues through present-moment awareness and experiential techniques.
Conditions Treated
Humanistic Therapy may be helpful for:
- Low self-esteem
- Chronic health concerns
- Effects of trauma
- Depression
- Relationship difficulties
- Substance use disorder
- Identity concerns or feelings of emptiness
Experiential Therapies
Experiential Therapies involve active methods of healing, using movement, creativity, or connection with animals to foster emotional expression and self-awareness. These approaches are often used alongside traditional talk therapy. Experiential therapies can be used alone or in conjunction with different types of therapy.
Yoga Therapy and Trauma-Informed Yoga
Yoga Therapy combines physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness to support overall well-being. Trauma-Informed Yoga adapts these practices with a focus on safety, empowerment, and choice. Instructors avoid triggering language or forced positions and emphasize grounding, body awareness, and self-regulation.
Conditions Treated:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Somatic symptoms related to trauma
Art Therapy
Art Therapy uses creative processes such as drawing, painting, or sculpting to help individuals express emotions and experiences. The focus is not on artistic ability but on emotional exploration and self-expression.
Conditions Treated:
- Trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and loss
- Identity development
- Stress-related disorders
Equine-Assisted Therapy and Therapy Animals
Equine-Assisted Therapy incorporates interaction with horses to build trust, improve emotional regulation, and enhance communication skills. Similarly, therapy animals such as dogs or cats may provide comfort, reduce stress, and support emotional processing. These approaches are often beneficial for individuals who find nonverbal interaction more accessible than traditional talk therapy.
Conditions Treated:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral and social challenges
- Substance use recovery support
Family Therapy
Family Therapy involves working with family members to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen family bonds. The therapist guides the family in developing healthier patterns of interaction. Family therapy can include different types of therapy, depending on the provider and the clients’ needs.
Conditions Treated:
- Parent-child conflict
- Marital or partner distress
- Adjustment to major life transitions
- Substance use recovery support
- Behavioral problems in children or adolescents
Group Therapy
Group Therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals with similar experiences can connect, share, and learn from each other. Sessions are typically led by one or more therapists and encourage skill development through mutual support.
Conditions Treated:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Grief and loss
- Substance use disorder
- Social skill development
Choosing Among the Different Types of Therapy
Selecting an approach among different types of therapy depends on personal goals, comfort, and the issues being addressed. Some therapies emphasize insight, while others prioritize practical skill development. Many therapists integrate techniques from multiple models to meet client needs.
It is important to note that terms such as Counseling vs Therapy or Therapy vs Counseling are often used interchangeably. Counseling is sometimes considered more short-term and solution-focused, while Therapy can encompass broader and longer-term treatment. Similarly, the distinction between Psychotherapist vs Therapist varies by training and licensing but often overlaps in practice.
Defining Trauma Informed Care
Trauma Informed Care recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and emphasizes safety, trust, choice, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. Any of the different types of therapy can be practiced within a trauma-informed framework.
Conclusion
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. With approaches ranging from Psychodynamic and Behavioral to Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic, Experiential, Family, and Group models, individuals have multiple paths to healing. Exploring the philosophies behind the different types of therapy allows for informed decisions and more effective outcomes.
To learn more about our team and values, visit Great Falls Wellness. For those seeking support with substance use, Great Falls Wellness offers an evidence-based addiction treatment program designed to promote lasting recovery.
