26 Common Types of Therapy

When people think about therapy, they often envision a person lying on a couch talking about their feelings to a therapist who’s nodding along and taking notes. While this isn’t a totally inaccurate view of therapy, it also isn’t the full picture. There are dozens of different types of therapy available to improve your mental health. 

Therapy has long been a primary treatment for mental health care, providing people with a safe and reassuring space to explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences. In this article, we take a closer look at what therapy is, how it evolved, and some of the different types of therapy available. Then, we’ll share some insight on how you can choose the best type of therapy for you. 

The History of Modern Therapy 

The roots of modern therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where healing practices often combined spiritual, ceremonial, and community elements. For example, in ancient Greece, people sought peace and guidance from oracles, temples, and sanctuaries dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, healers used chants, rituals, and medicinal remedies to address physical and psychological elements. 

Since then, there have been many historical developments and influential figures who laid the groundwork for the field’s growth. In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, pioneers like Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the understanding of the human mind. Freud’s emphasis on the role of unconscious processes and childhood experiences really paved the way for the development of many therapy approaches. 

During the same period, other prominent figures, such as Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, and Anna Freud, all expanded on Freud’s work and introduced alternative theories and frameworks. The mid-20^th century brought more existential therapies that emphasized personal growth. The late 20^th century brought even more new techniques with the development of cognitive-behavioral systems, which emphasized the role of behavior and beliefs, and systemic approaches that shifted focus away from individuals and onto family systems and cultural contexts.  

The field of psychotherapy continues to evolve and expand with ongoing advancements in research, theory, and practice. This rich history and continual innovation have led to an array of therapy options. 

Related: Acupuncture: Everything You Need To Know  

26 Types of Therapy

Today, there are several different types of therapy available, each with its own benefits and focus areas. Here’s a brief look at some common types of therapy. 

1. Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) – AEDP is a newer approach that explores emotional experiences to promote healing and growth. 
2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – ACT uses mindfulness techniques and acceptance and commitment strategies to help people develop greater psychological flexibility and reduce avoidance.  
3. Affirmative Therapy – This type of therapy is an approach that affirms and validates the experiences, identities, and perspectives of people in the LGBTQIA+ communities, providing a space free of judgment and discrimination.  
4. Animal-Assisted Therapy – Animal-assisted therapy involves incorporating trained animals into therapeutic interventions.  
5. Art Therapy – Art therapy uses artistic expression, like drawing, painting, playing music, or sculpting, as a form of communication and self-expression. It can help people explore, process, and talk about things they have difficulty speaking about.  
6. Attachment-Based Therapy – Attachment-based therapy centers on understanding and healing attachment wounds to build secure attachments and relationships. 
7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a commonly used evidence-based therapy that focuses on recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. To learn more about this therapeutic technique, check out this resource: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/common-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-techniques-and-why-they-work/ 
8. Couples Therapy – Couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, involves working with couples to resolve conflicts and improve communication and the relationship. 
9. Culturally Sensitive Therapy – Culturally sensitive therapy acknowledges a person’s diverse backgrounds and beliefs. It involves adapting therapeutic interventions to be culturally appropriate. 
10. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – DBT is a comprehensive technique that combines parts of CBT with mindfulness to help with emotional dysregulation. It can be particularly beneficial for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). 
11. Eclectic Therapy – This type of therapy is an integrative approach that combines many different techniques to meet the unique needs of each client. It emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and customization. 
12. Emotionally Focused Therapy – This is a short-term type of therapy for couples that focuses on identifying and transforming negative interaction patterns and fostering secure attachment bonds. Its goal is to help couples develop stronger emotional intimacy and communication skills to improve relationship satisfaction. 
13. Family Systems Therapy – Family systems therapy views individuals within the context of their family and social systems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of family dynamics and relationship patterns. It focuses on identifying and addressing dysfunctional interaction patterns to promote healthier family functioning. 
14. Gestalt Therapy – Gestalt therapy focuses on promoting awareness, personal responsibility, and authentic self-expression through experiential techniques and dialogue. It emphasizes integrating fragmented aspects of the self and addressing unfinished business to achieve wholeness and fulfillment. 
15. Group Therapy – Group therapy involves a small group of people meeting regularly to explore and address shared concerns. It provides a supportive environment for shared learning and interpersonal growth. 
16. Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to access the subconscious mind and aid in positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can be used to repair a wide range of issues. 
17. Integrative Therapy – Integrative therapy combines elements from different therapeutic approaches and theoretical orientations to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs and situation.  
18. Internal Family Systems Therapy
19. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) – IPT is a focused, time-limited approach to treat mood disorders. The primary function of IPT is to improve social functioning and interpersonal relationships.
20. Jungian Therapy – Jungian therapy, based on the theories of Carl Jung, explores the unconscious mind to promote self-discovery and transformation. It often promotes exploring dreams and symbolic imagery to gain an understanding of the deeper layers of the psyche. 
21. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – MCBT combines mindfulness meditation practices with cognitive therapy techniques to promote emotional well-being. It emphasizes cultivating present-moment awareness, nonjudgemental acceptance, and cognitive flexibility to interrupt negative thought patterns and reduce reactivity to distressing emotions. 
22. Narrative Therapy – Narrative therapy explores and deconstructs the stories or narratives that individuals construct about their lives, identities, and problems. It aims to empower people to rewrite their narratives, challenge dominant beliefs, and create alternative perspectives that promote resilience and agency. 
23. Person-Centered Therapy – This therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, highlights the therapeutic relationship and unconditional positive regard as essential for facilitating growth and self-actualization. It focuses on providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their experiences, values, and goals. 
24. Psychodynamic Therapy – This form of therapy is a modern form of psychoanalytic therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious processes, relationship patterns, and early childhood experiences to get insight into current difficulties and promote emotional healing. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and the role of defense mechanisms in shaping behavior. 
25. Schema Therapy – Schema therapy is an integrative type of therapy that combines elements of CBT, psychodynamic, and experiential therapies to address longstanding maladaptive patterns and emotional needs. It focuses on identifying and challenging early maladaptive schema and coping methods to promote emotional regulation, self-compassion, and healthier relationships.  
26. Somatic Therapy – Somatic therapy integrates body-oriented approaches, such as mindfulness, breathwork, movement, and touch, with traditional therapy techniques to address the mind-body connection. It aims to promote somatic awareness, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and process traumatic memories stored in the body to facilitate emotional healing and integration. 

Related: An In-Depth Look at Schizophrenia

How to Decide Which Therapy is Right for You 

Choosing the right therapy for you can feel like a daunting task since there are so many options. Thankfully, there are a few things you can consider trying to narrow down your options. First, consider your goals and what you hope to achieve with therapy. Getting clear about what you want to accomplish can make narrowing down your options much easier. 

Then, think about your preferences. For example, do you prefer in-office appointments or virtual ones? What type of therapist do you want? What sort of therapy structure are you after? Once you’ve got your head around some basic preferences, figure out the practical things, like your budget, how much time you have to devote to therapy and the number of therapists in your area. 

After you know your goals, preferences, and practical things, consider taking some time to research some of the different therapy types discussed above. You can search on the internet or ask your friends or family who have gone to therapy if they have any insight to share. If you still aren’t sure which therapy type is right for you, that’s totally okay. 

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the process of choosing the right therapy. A qualified therapist can do an assessment of your needs and goals to help match you with the most appropriate approach and therapist. 

Related: 10 Treatment Options for Depression

Takeaway

Ultimately, therapy has come a long way over the years, and there’s no shortage of types of therapy to choose from. Consider what you need and reach out to a professional for support to ensure you receive the best treatment for your needs and goals.  

When people think about therapy, they often envision a person lying on a couch talking about their feelings to a therapist who’s nodding along and taking notes. While this isn’t a totally inaccurate view of therapy, it also isn’t the full picture. There are dozens of different types of therapy available to improve your mental health. 

Therapy has long been a primary treatment for mental health care, providing people with a safe and reassuring space to explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences. In this article, we take a closer look at what therapy is, how it evolved, and some of the different types of therapy available. Then, we’ll share some insight on how you can choose the best type of therapy for you. 

The History of Modern Therapy 

The roots of modern therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where healing practices often combined spiritual, ceremonial, and community elements. For example, in ancient Greece, people sought peace and guidance from oracles, temples, and sanctuaries dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, healers used chants, rituals, and medicinal remedies to address physical and psychological elements. 

Since then, there have been many historical developments and influential figures who laid the groundwork for the field’s growth. In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, pioneers like Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the understanding of the human mind. Freud’s emphasis on the role of unconscious processes and childhood experiences really paved the way for the development of many therapy approaches. 

During the same period, other prominent figures, such as Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, and Anna Freud, all expanded on Freud’s work and introduced alternative theories and frameworks. The mid-20^th century brought more existential therapies that emphasized personal growth. The late 20^th century brought even more new techniques with the development of cognitive-behavioral systems, which emphasized the role of behavior and beliefs, and systemic approaches that shifted focus away from individuals and onto family systems and cultural contexts.  

The field of psychotherapy continues to evolve and expand with ongoing advancements in research, theory, and practice. This rich history and continual innovation have led to an array of therapy options. 

26 Types of Therapy

Today, there are several different types of therapy available, each with its own benefits and focus areas. Here’s a brief look at some common types of therapy. 

1. Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) – AEDP is a newer approach that explores emotional experiences to promote healing and growth. 
2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – ACT uses mindfulness techniques and acceptance and commitment strategies to help people develop greater psychological flexibility and reduce avoidance.  
3. Affirmative Therapy – This type of therapy is an approach that affirms and validates the experiences, identities, and perspectives of people in the LGBTQIA+ communities, providing a space free of judgment and discrimination.  
4. Animal-Assisted Therapy – Animal-assisted therapy involves incorporating trained animals into therapeutic interventions.  
5. Art Therapy – Art therapy uses artistic expression, like drawing, painting, playing music, or sculpting, as a form of communication and self-expression. It can help people explore, process, and talk about things they have difficulty speaking about.  
6. Attachment-Based Therapy – Attachment-based therapy centers on understanding and healing attachment wounds to build secure attachments and relationships. 
7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a commonly used evidence-based therapy that focuses on recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. To learn more about this therapeutic technique, check out this resource: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/common-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-techniques-and-why-they-work/ 
8. Couples Therapy – Couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, involves working with couples to resolve conflicts and improve communication and the relationship. 
9. Culturally Sensitive Therapy – Culturally sensitive therapy acknowledges a person’s diverse backgrounds and beliefs. It involves adapting therapeutic interventions to be culturally appropriate. 
10. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – DBT is a comprehensive technique that combines parts of CBT with mindfulness to help with emotional dysregulation. It can be particularly beneficial for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). 
11. Eclectic Therapy – This type of therapy is an integrative approach that combines many different techniques to meet the unique needs of each client. It emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and customization. 
12. Emotionally Focused Therapy – This is a short-term type of therapy for couples that focuses on identifying and transforming negative interaction patterns and fostering secure attachment bonds. Its goal is to help couples develop stronger emotional intimacy and communication skills to improve relationship satisfaction. 
13. Family Systems Therapy – Family systems therapy views individuals within the context of their family and social systems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of family dynamics and relationship patterns. It focuses on identifying and addressing dysfunctional interaction patterns to promote healthier family functioning. 
14. Gestalt Therapy – Gestalt therapy focuses on promoting awareness, personal responsibility, and authentic self-expression through experiential techniques and dialogue. It emphasizes integrating fragmented aspects of the self and addressing unfinished business to achieve wholeness and fulfillment. 
15. Group Therapy – Group therapy involves a small group of people meeting regularly to explore and address shared concerns. It provides a supportive environment for shared learning and interpersonal growth. 
16. Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to access the subconscious mind and aid in positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can be used to repair a wide range of issues. 
17. Integrative Therapy – Integrative therapy combines elements from different therapeutic approaches and theoretical orientations to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs and situation.  
18. Internal Family Systems Therapy
19. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) – IPT is a focused, time-limited approach to treat mood disorders. The primary function of IPT is to improve social functioning and interpersonal relationships.
20. Jungian Therapy – Jungian therapy, based on the theories of Carl Jung, explores the unconscious mind to promote self-discovery and transformation. It often promotes exploring dreams and symbolic imagery to gain an understanding of the deeper layers of the psyche. 
21. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – MCBT combines mindfulness meditation practices with cognitive therapy techniques to promote emotional well-being. It emphasizes cultivating present-moment awareness, nonjudgemental acceptance, and cognitive flexibility to interrupt negative thought patterns and reduce reactivity to distressing emotions. 
22. Narrative Therapy – Narrative therapy explores and deconstructs the stories or narratives that individuals construct about their lives, identities, and problems. It aims to empower people to rewrite their narratives, challenge dominant beliefs, and create alternative perspectives that promote resilience and agency. 
23. Person-Centered Therapy – This therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, highlights the therapeutic relationship and unconditional positive regard as essential for facilitating growth and self-actualization. It focuses on providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their experiences, values, and goals. 
24. Psychodynamic Therapy – This form of therapy is a modern form of psychoanalytic therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious processes, relationship patterns, and early childhood experiences to get insight into current difficulties and promote emotional healing. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and the role of defense mechanisms in shaping behavior. 
25. Schema Therapy – Schema therapy is an integrative type of therapy that combines elements of CBT, psychodynamic, and experiential therapies to address longstanding maladaptive patterns and emotional needs. It focuses on identifying and challenging early maladaptive schema and coping methods to promote emotional regulation, self-compassion, and healthier relationships.  
26. Somatic Therapy – Somatic therapy integrates body-oriented approaches, such as mindfulness, breathwork, movement, and touch, with traditional therapy techniques to address the mind-body connection. It aims to promote somatic awareness, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and process traumatic memories stored in the body to facilitate emotional healing and integration. 

How to Decide Which Therapy is Right for You 

Choosing the right therapy for you can feel like a daunting task since there are so many options. Thankfully, there are a few things you can consider trying to narrow down your options. First, consider your goals and what you hope to achieve with therapy. Getting clear about what you want to accomplish can make narrowing down your options much easier. 

Then, think about your preferences. For example, do you prefer in-office appointments or virtual ones? What type of therapist do you want? What sort of therapy structure are you after? Once you’ve got your head around some basic preferences, figure out the practical things, like your budget, how much time you have to devote to therapy, and the number of therapists in your area. 

After you know your goals, preferences, and the practical things, consider taking some time to research some of the different therapy types discussed above. You can search on the internet or ask your friends or family who have gone to therapy if they have any insight to share. If you still aren’t sure which therapy type is right for you, that’s totally okay. 

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the process of choosing the right therapy. A qualified therapist can do an assessment of your needs and goals to help match you with the most appropriate approach and therapist. 

Takeaway

Ultimately, therapy has come a long way over the years, and there’s no shortage of types of therapy to choose from. Consider what you need and reach out to a professional for support to ensure you receive the best treatment for your needs and goals.