CBT is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and challenge dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours. It’s one of the most extensively researched therapies, effective in treating a wide range of issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, clients learn to reframe negative thinking patterns and adopt healthier behavioural strategies (Beck, Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond). Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, thought records, and exposure therapy are central to this approach.
Developed initially for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted for other conditions like mood disorders, self-harm, and eating disorders. DBT combines mindfulness practices with strategies for improving emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapy strikes a balance between acceptance and change, helping individuals cope with extreme emotional responses while learning skills to manage relationships and stress more effectively (Linehan, DBT Skills Training Manual).
Behaviour modification is based on operant conditioning principles, using positive and negative reinforcement to alter behaviour. This approach is highly effective in treating conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), phobias, and disruptive behaviours in both adults and children. Techniques include systematic desensitization (gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli), token economies (rewarding positive behaviour), and behavioural contracts (agreements that reinforce desired behaviours) (Skinner, Science and Human Behaviour).
Psychodynamic therapy delves into how unconscious thoughts, childhood experiences, and emotional conflicts influence present behaviour. By exploring past relationships and unresolved emotional issues, clients can gain insight into their current emotional patterns. The therapist helps the client understand how repressed emotions and thoughts from early life continue to affect their behaviour today. Techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and exploring transference are commonly used (McWilliams, Psychoanalytic Diagnosis).
MBSR is an eight-week program developed to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation through mindfulness and meditation. It is effective for managing anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and burnout. The therapy emphasizes living in the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can help reduce the emotional intensity of stress (Kabat-Zinn, Full Catastrophe Living). Techniques include mindfulness meditation, body scan, and breath awareness.
Founded by Carl Rogers, person-centred therapy is a non-directive approach that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and the client’s capacity for self-direction and personal growth. The therapist provides a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment, fostering self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional healing. This approach is ideal for individuals seeking to understand themselves better and resolve personal conflicts (Rogers, On Becoming a Person).
ACT helps individuals accept their internal experiences (thoughts, emotions, memories) rather than attempting to fight or avoid them. It emphasizes psychological flexibility and encourages clients to live in line with their values. ACT is effective for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other disorders where emotional avoidance plays a significant role. Key techniques include mindfulness practices and value-based action planning (Hayes, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed specifically for treating trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Through structured sessions involving bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements), clients are guided to reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. EMDR is grounded in the understanding that traumatic experiences can get “stuck” in the brain, and this process helps the mind reframe them (Shapiro, EMDR Therapy).
SFBT is a goal-oriented and future-focused approach that helps clients identify solutions rather than focusing on problems. This therapy is often short-term and effective for a wide range of issues. It emphasizes strength-based questioning, where clients are encouraged to explore their resources, past successes, and strengths to resolve their challenges (De Shazer, Putting Difference to Work).
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed to address interpersonal issues and their impact on emotional well-being. Originally developed for treating depression, IPT has been shown to be effective for a variety of conditions, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and relationship conflicts. The therapy focuses on improving communication skills, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and navigating significant life changes such as loss, role transitions, or disputes with loved ones. By identifying the link between a client’s mood and their relationships, IPT promotes emotional healing and more effective social functioning (Weissman, Markowitz, & Klerman, The Clinician's Quick Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy). Key components include addressing grief, role disputes, and role transitions.