Types of therapy: Find the right approach for you
Reviewed by Susan Radzilowski, MSW, LMSW, ACSW
Written by
therapist.com teamLast updated: 04/16/2025
When you think about therapy, you might picture quiet offices and formal talks. But in reality, every client-therapist relationship is unique, and not all types of therapy look the same. Finding the right therapist, and the right style of therapy, may be the most important step you can take towards mental health.
Mental health professionals use different approaches to meet specific needs. Some methods may be more effective than others in treating certain conditions. Here are some common types of therapy to begin your search.
Evidence-based behavioral therapies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on modifying thought patterns and behaviors
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) teaches skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance
- Exposure therapy helps clients overcome specific fears and phobias
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) focuses on changing “irrational” beliefs
Trauma-focused therapies
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) helps people process trauma through guided eye movements
- Racial trauma specialists help heal from race-based traumatic stress (RBTS)
- Brainspotting therapists process trauma through fixed eye positions
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy focuses on the different parts of the personality, including those shaped by trauma
Mind-body approaches
- Somatic therapists help explore the connection between mind and body and how one’s health affects the other
- Biofeedback practitioners use technology to help clients control their physical responses to stress, anxiety, and other challenges
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a program that teaches meditation and awareness practices
- Certified hypnotherapists use guided relaxation techniques to address problems and work toward goals
Creative and expressive therapies
- Art therapists use visual arts to help clients process emotions and experiences
- Music therapists facilitate healing through musical expression and rhythm work
- Dance/movement therapists guide emotional healing through body movement
- Drama therapists use role-play and storytelling for personal growth
- Play therapists work with children through structured play activities
Cultural and identity-focused approaches
- Multicultural therapy specialists address mental health through cultural perspectives
- LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists provide identity-affirming care
- Liberation psychologists work with marginalized communities to address systemic impacts on mental health
Specialized population therapies
- Geriatric specialists focus on mental health concerns of older adults
- Addiction specialists work with substance use and behavioral addictions
- Eating disorder specialists treat various types of disordered eating
When choosing a specialized therapist, be sure to check their credentials and confirm that your insurance will cover them. During your first meeting, discuss their experience and whether they coordinate with other providers if needed.
Visit our directory to find qualified mental health professionals in your area. You can filter results by therapist specialties, services offered, therapeutic approaches, insurance acceptance, and more.
Visit the following pages to learn more about different approaches to therapy:
About the author
The editorial team at therapist.com works with the world’s leading clinical experts to bring you accessible, insightful information about mental health topics and trends.
