5 Different Types of Therapy in Psychology

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.

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program from Saybrook University features several courses covering various therapy practices. This online doctoral program requires virtual learning experiences, community learning experiences, and clinical internships to ensure our graduates are prepared for professional competence when providing psychological therapy treatments.

Here are five of the most common kinds of therapy.

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.

The Clinical Psychology doctoral program includes several courses that delve into behavior, including Biological Bases of Behavior. This course explores how the brain and nervous system produce a range of behaviors such as sensations, emotions, sleep, language, behavior, and reproductive behavior. Another course is Cognition & Affect in Human Behavior, which covers major theories and current research in how information processing and learning, developmental influences, and the relationships between cognition and emotion are presented in individuals.

A psychologist (Ph.D.), a licensed clinical social worker (Ph.D.), or a licensed professional counselor (M.A. 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.

As part of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. degree, Saybrook offers an Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization. Within this program, there are additional courses focused on humanistic psychology. This includes Foundations of Existential and Humanistic Psychology, which provides an overview of humanistic psychology history, current manifestations, and contributions to other fields of psychology such as clinical practice. Another course in this clinical psychology doctoral program is Humanistic Psychology and Psychotherapy, which covers the foundations and origins of humanistic psychology and the cultural impact in psychological practices.

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 (MD), 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 psychosynthesis principles. It deals with understanding the relationship between an individual's spirit, mind, and body 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.

In relation to integrative or holistic therapy practices, Saybrook offers the Ph.D. in Psychology: Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization. This program focuses on spiritual development, self-discovery, personal transformation, exceptional human experiences, and transpersonal development. The psychology doctoral specialization offers students a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of how embracing spiritual approaches leads to optimized well-being.

Dive Deeper into Psychological Therapy with a Psychology Degree

Saybrook University offers various graduate-level psychology programs, including specializations that allow students to pursue the program that best suits their academic and career aspirations.
The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology degree allows students to pursue their doctorate through online courses and in-person clinical experiences without relocating or stepping away from work or family responsibilities. This clinical psychology Ph.D. degree program provides graduates with a deep understanding of the different types of psychological therapy, the theories and research that support or challenge various application methods, and the experience needed to apply these techniques in clinical settings.

Learn more about the different types of psychology therapy by earning your doctoral degree from Saybrook.