Understanding the Different Types of Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?

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By Keeley Seymour, LCSW, CEDS, PMH-C

5 min read

In the realm of mental health and emotional well-being, seeking therapy has become increasingly common and accepted. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can offer invaluable support and guidance. However, with the myriad of therapy options available today, it’s important to understand the different types of therapy when reaching out to different providers to schedule your first session.

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different therapeutic approaches have evolved over time, each with its own theoretical foundations, techniques, and goals. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another, and finding the right fit often involves exploration and open communication with a qualified therapist. Most of the therapists at Evolve are trained in many of the following approaches and tailor the treatment to your needs. To help you navigate the vast landscape of therapy modalities, let’s delve into some of the most common types:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most widely used and extensively researched forms of therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. Through structured sessions, clients learn to challenge irrational beliefs, develop coping strategies, and cultivate healthier habits. CBT is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various phobias.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Rooted in psychoanalytic principles pioneered by Freud, psychodynamic therapy explores how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence present behavior and relationships. Therapists help clients gain insight into their unconscious processes, unresolved conflicts, and repetitive patterns. This approach emphasizes self-reflection, exploring childhood experiences, and understanding the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. (One of my personal favorite approaches!)
Humanistic Therapy: Humanistic therapies, such as Person-Centered Therapy and Gestalt Therapy, emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, and the inherent capacity for change within individuals. These approaches prioritize empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard from the therapist. Humanistic therapists strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their feelings, values, and aspirations freely.
Existential Therapy: Existential therapy explores the fundamental questions of human existence, such as meaning, freedom, isolation, and mortality. It encourages clients to confront life’s uncertainties and embrace personal responsibility for their choices. Existential therapists help individuals navigate existential crises, find purpose and direction, and cultivate a deeper sense of authenticity and fulfillment.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Drawing from Buddhist philosophy and meditation practices, mindfulness-based therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrate mindfulness techniques into psychotherapeutic interventions. These approaches promote present-moment awareness, acceptance, and nonjudgmental observation of thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness-based therapies are effective for managing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders and for enhancing overall well-being.
Family Therapy: Family therapy focuses on the dynamics and relationships within families or couples. Therapists work with multiple members of the family system to identify communication patterns, resolve conflicts, and improve relational dynamics. Family therapy can address a wide range of issues, including marital problems, parent-child conflicts, and substance abuse within the family unit. While our therapists at Evolve do not provide family therapy alone as a service, our therapists do utilize these techniques and concepts when bringing family into individual sessions as needed, especially with adolescents.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) specialize in treating individuals who have experienced trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These approaches aim to process traumatic memories, alleviate distressing symptoms, and promote healing and resilience. Jen at our office is trained in CPT and Hayley in EMDR! Check out their bios for more information.
Art Therapy: Art therapy utilizes creative expression, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, as a means of communication and self-exploration. Clients do not need to have any artistic skill to benefit from art therapy; instead, the focus is on the process of creation and the symbolism inherent in artistic expression. Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to verbalize their emotions or experiences. Gianna at our office is a Licensed Art Therapist! Check out her bio for more information.
Group Therapy: Group therapy involves a therapist leading a session with a small group of individuals who share similar concerns or goals. Group members provide mutual support, feedback, and perspective to one another, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity. Group therapy can be effective for addressing various issues, such as social anxiety, addiction recovery, and grief. We have two groups running at our office for eating disorder recovery! Check out our services page for more information.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing interpersonal issues that contribute to psychological distress. It helps clients identify problematic patterns of communication and behavior in their relationships and develop healthier ways of relating to others. IPT is often used to treat depression, eating disorders, and relationship conflicts.
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT): Equine-assisted therapy (EAT), also known as equine therapy or horse therapy, is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions between individuals and horses. It’s often used as a complementary or alternative therapeutic approach for various physical, emotional, and psychological issues. During equine-assisted therapy sessions, individuals work with horses under the guidance of trained therapists or facilitators. Activities may include grooming, leading, feeding, and riding horses. The focus is not on horseback riding skill development, but rather on the emotional and behavioral aspects of interacting with horses. The presence of horses in therapy can help individuals develop skills such as communication, trust, empathy, responsibility, assertiveness, and emotional regulation. Keeley and Jen provide EAT at Kindle Hill Foundation in Blue Bell.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach designed to help individuals resolve ambivalence about behavior change. The core principle of MI is to elicit and strengthen an individual’s intrinsic motivation to change by exploring their ambivalence toward their current behaviors. MI is non-confrontational and collaborative, emphasizing empathy, acceptance, and autonomy.

When considering which type of therapy is right for you, it’s essential to consider your individual needs, preferences, and treatment goals. Keep in mind that therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist who resonates with you is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and explore different modalities until you find the approach that feels most comfortable and effective for you.

Remember that therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and the therapeutic process may unfold gradually over time. Be patient with yourself, stay committed to the process, and trust that with the right support and guidance, you can overcome challenges, cultivate resilience, and live a more fulfilling life. Whether you choose CBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, or any other modality, the most important thing is taking the first step toward prioritizing your mental health and well-being.

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Evolve Counseling Services is a specialized team of Licensed Therapists providing treatment in Paoli, Pennsylvania.