Therapy Type glossary
Find the type of therapy that’s right for you
The modality used by your therapist will shape your sessions and determine the path you take to achieving your goals.
How do you decide what kind of therapy to try?
There are dozens of different therapy types, or “modalities,” and it’s likely that more than one can fuel positive change in your life.
- Explore your options. Learn the differences between therapy types and get a sense of which ones are likely to work best for you.
- Schedule a free consultation with a few therapists who specialize in the modalities that appeal to you most.
Even if you’re unsure about which type of therapy you’d like to try, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation—a conversation will provide you with more clarity.
Types of therapy
Body-Focused Therapies
Body-focused therapies are rooted in the idea that the mind and body are intrinsically connected.
Therefore, changing the state of your body can impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A body-focused therapist might help you release stored tension or ease your body into a deep state of relaxation, which can make you more receptive to change.
Body-focused therapies work well for trauma impacting the body and nervous system. These therapies also help with issues like anxiety, chronic stress, and borderline personality disorder. Not a fan of traditional talk therapy? A body-focused modality might be a good place to start.
Types of Body-Focused therapy:
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
Cognitive and behavioral therapies aim to gently challenge and change the way you think, which in turn empowers you to change unwanted behaviors.
Cognitive and behavioral therapies are the most widely researched forms of therapy and a favorite among clients and therapists for being practical, solution-oriented, and relatively short-term.
Cognitive and behavioral therapies can effectively treat a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, eating disorders, chronic pain, low-self esteem, relationship issues, and grief or loss. No matter your goal or challenge, there’s a good chance that Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies can help.
Types of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
- Behavioral Therapies (Including Prolonged Exposure, ERP)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Couples, Marital, and Relationship Therapies
In couples therapy, you and a romantic partner will work to build skills that improve your communication and deepen your mutual understanding.
A skilled couples therapist will create a neutral space where you can authentically connect, safely discuss sensitive topics, and confidently find solutions that work for both of you.
A common misconception about couples therapy is that it’s a “last resort” for relationships in crisis. The reality is that couples therapy is a helpful resource during all stages of a relationship, from setting boundaries, to aligning on parenting styles, to staying close and connected as you change over time.
Types of Couples Therapy:
Insight-Oriented Therapies
The common goal of insight-oriented therapies is to help you gain a better understanding of your internal world in order to promote healing and personal growth.
Insight-oriented therapies are some of the most well-known and commonly practiced types of therapy. An Insight-oriented therapist may guide you through deep exploration of past experiences to uncover unconscious patterns from childhood that might be contributing to present-day challenges. This exploration often leads to insights that spark transformative change.
Like cognitive and behavioral therapies, insight-oriented therapies can help with a wide range of mental health issues and conditions, from anxiety and depression, to substance abuse, eating disorders, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Types of Insight-Oriented Therapy:
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Mindfulness-based therapies encourage you to focus your attention on the present moment and note thoughts and feelings without judgement.
Over time, this practice can make you more reflective and less reactive — helping you to better tolerate negative events and foster a sense of inner calm and wellbeing. Mindfulness-based therapies typically involve a form of meditation and sometimes incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Mindfulness-based therapies have been found to effectively improve conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, as well as support healthy relationships and positive lifestyle change.
Types of Mindfulness-Based Therapy:
Trauma-Focused Therapies
Trauma-focused therapies help you understand how a deeply distressing or disturbing experience from your past might be impacting present thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
A trauma-informed therapist will create a safe environment in which you can fully process that trauma and find a path toward healing.
Trauma may make you think of car crashes or physical abuse, but it can take many different forms. It’s not the nature of an experience that defines trauma, but how it impacts you. If an event from your past continues to negatively affect you, trauma-focused therapy is likely to help.
Types of Trauma-Focused Therapy:
Other Types of Therapy
Though they can be just as helpful, the therapy types listed below don't fit neatly into a single category. They might focus on a specific cultural perspective, combine multiple approaches, or use a distinct framework.
If you're looking for an alternative to what's listed above, it's worth exploring these modalities to see what they might offer you.