Therapy is a broad treatment system with many far-reaching branches. In this context, therapy refers to the use of psychological methods and systems to treat people with depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Various types of therapy in psychology exist. Here we cover a few of the most common varieties.
5 Types of Therapy in Psychology
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is often utilized to help people who struggle with negative thoughts or are looking to break a habit. In CBT practices, the psychologist must study a patient’s patterns of thinking and gain understanding of the origins of these patterns. Once identified, specialists can work to combat thought patterns that are causing emotional harm, focusing on developing coping mechanisms that will help patients deal with issues as they arise in the long term.
A psychologist (Ph.D.or Psy.D.), a licensed clinical social worker (MSW), or a licensed professional counselor (M.A., M.S., or Ph.D.) trained in CBT can properly treat patients in need of this specific counseling.
2. Psychodynamic Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on self-awareness and self-examination. In this practice, psychologists will guide patients toward identifying the root cause of any suffering or problematic relationships.
Many parts of psychodynamic therapy evolve from principles of psychoanalysis and can be applied to a wide range of psychological disorders. Psychologists who practice psychodynamic therapy help patients to form a practical and positive sense of self.
Psychodynamic therapy can be carried out by a licensed clinical social worker, a psychologist, or a licensed professional counselor who has training or experience in psychodynamic therapy.
3. Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic therapy focuses on examining a patient’s worldview and how it affects their everyday choices. It deals with unraveling one’s true self, processing others’ criticism, and realizing self-acceptance.
This type of therapy is slightly different from others because humanistic therapy focuses on the specifics of an individual’s day-to-day life.
Humanistic therapists’ job is to help patients gain personal acceptance, determine what they wish to achieve in life, and find the methods that will help them get there.
Engaging in humanistic therapy requires the help of a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker with training in humanistic therapy to guide participants through the process.
4. Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychoanalytic therapy deals with understanding the subconscious or unconscious mind. This type of therapy may be the best fit for those who have undergone therapy for a long time and want to go deeper to understand the unconscious origin of the thoughts that affect their actions.
Psychoanalytic therapy is often used for patients with compulsions, obsessions, or phobias. The therapist will then help their patients explore the unconscious and subconscious mind to find the origins of destructive behaviors and work to eliminate them.
Psychoanalysts—likely psychiatrists (M.D.), psychologists, or licensed professional counselors—who have been trained in psychoanalytic theory and technique are best fit to oversee the process of psychoanalysis.
5. Integrative or Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy is an integrative approach to counseling based on principles of psychosynthesis. It deals with understanding the relationship among the spirit, mind, and body of an individual and addresses how issues in one aspect of a person’s lifestyle can affect other areas.
Pursuing integrative and holistic therapy as a career exposes practitioners to greater awareness of self and the environment, which will, in turn, promote greater acceptance of self and clients. Therapists in this profession views their patient’s symptoms as a window into their consciousness, which can lead to or bring attention to a person’s higher awareness.
Saybrook University’s Department of Humanistic and Clinical Psychology and Department of Counseling equip students to become future leaders in therapy and counseling. Visit our Areas of Study page for more information.
Interested in obtaining your doctorate in social work? Check out our blog on 5 career paths for a Ph.D. in social work.
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