Quick Guide to Therapies

Unlike traditional psychology that focuses more on the causes and symptoms of mental illnesses and emotional disturbances

Gestalt therapy seeks to integrate the client's behaviours, feelings, and thinking, so that their intentions and actions may be aligned for optimal mental health.

While not a form of therapy in itself, medication is often used in conjunction with talk therapies to manage symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

Relational life therapy offers strategies to combat marital dysfunction and restore harmony in relationships.

Structural family therapy focuses on improving the interactions and dynamics between family members by enhancing communication

With the advancement of technology, many digital platforms offer access to mental health support, including online counselling, chat-based therapy, and mental health apps.

Multicultural awareness is an understanding and sensitivity of the values, experiences, and lifestyles of minority groups.

Existential psychotherapy is based on the philosophical belief that human beings are alone in the world, and that this aloneness can only be overcome by creating one's own meaning, and exercising one's freedom to choose.

IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills. It's often used to address issues related to depression, grief, and relationship problems.

These therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), incorporate mindfulness practices to help individuals become more present and aware of their thoughts and emotions.

Person-centred therapy uses a non-authoritative approach that allows clients to take more of a lead in discussions so that, in the process, they will discover their own solutions.

These therapies, including Person-Centered Therapy and Gestalt Therapy, emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, and the exploration of feelings and experiences.

Trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT)

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Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, evolved from Freudian psychoanalysis.

This involves participating in a therapy session with a group of people who may be dealing with similar issues. It provides a supportive environment for sharing experiences and learning from others.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach to psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is a goal-oriented, practical approach to addressing a wide range of mental health issues.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a method of therapy that works to engage the motivation of clients to change their behaviour.

This form of therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to a person's current difficulties. It often involves discussing past experiences and how they may be impacting the present.

Psychoanalysis is an in-depth form of therapy. The client learns what conscious and unconscious wishes drive their patterns of thinking and behaviour on the theory that, by making the unconscious conscious

Strength-based therapy is a type of positive psychotherapy and counselling that focuses more on your internal strengths and resourcefulness

Solution-focused therapy, sometimes called "brief therapy," focuses on what clients would like to achieve through therapy rather than on their troubles or mental health issues.

Attachment-based therapy is form of therapy that applies to interventions or approaches

This type of therapy involves working with families to improve communication and resolve conflicts. It can be helpful for a range of issues, including relationship problems, addiction, and eating disorders.

Somatic (from the Greek word 'somat', meaning body) psychotherapy bridges the mind-body dichotomy recognising that emotion, behaviour

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a combination of play therapy and behavioural therapy for young children and their parents or caregivers.

DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. It's particularly effective in treating conditions like borderline personality disorder and self-harm behaviours.

Family and Marital therapists work with families or couples both together and individually to help them improve their communication skills

Integrative therapy refers to therapy in which elements from different types of therapy may be used. Therapists 'integrate' two or more therapeutic styles

Art therapy involves using creative processes to explore and express emotions and thoughts. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who may find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you accept the difficulties that come with life.

Family Systems therapists view problems within the family as the result not of particular members' behaviours

Adlerian psychotherapy was founded by Alfred Adler (an ex-associate of Freud who rejected Freud's notion that sex is the root of all psychological problems.

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) may assist individuals who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety, or feelings of shame and self-criticism, often stemming from early experiences of abuse or neglect.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an approach to therapy that helps clients identify their emotions

Occupational therapists can help individuals with mental health conditions develop skills and strategies to manage daily activities and improve their overall well-being.