Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, gives you a place to work through emotional, mental health, or relationship concerns with a trained therapist. There are many types of therapy, but you don’t have to understand every approach before getting started.
Common Types of Psychotherapy
Therapists may use one approach or combine several methods based on your needs. Each type of psychotherapy works a little differently, but the goal is generally the same: to help you better understand what you’re going through, build healthier coping skills, and make meaningful changes in your life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthier patterns. It’s often used for anxiety, depression, stress, fears, and low self-esteem.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT focuses on managing strong emotions, improving relationships, handling stress, and reducing impulsive behaviors.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma therapy helps people process difficult or frightening experiences at a safe pace. EMDR is one type of trauma therapy that may help reduce the distress connected to painful memories.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach explores how past experiences, early relationships, and hidden emotional patterns may affect your life today.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-centered therapy provides a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly without judgment. The therapist helps you better understand yourself and make choices that fit your needs.
Couples or Family Therapy
This type of therapy helps couples or family members improve communication, work through conflict, rebuild trust, and understand one another more clearly.
How Do You Choose the Right Type of Therapy?
Start by thinking about what you want help with. Are you dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, grief, stress, or something else?
You can also ask a therapist:
What type of therapy do you use?
Do you have experience with my concerns?
What can I expect during sessions?
How will we know whether therapy is helping?
The relationship you have with your therapist matters, too. You should feel heard, respected, and comfortable asking questions. It may take a few sessions to know whether the therapist and approach feel right.
You don’t have to know which type of psychotherapy is right for you before reaching out. If you want support, need someone to talk with, or feel ready to work through something that has been weighing on you, a therapist can help you get started. During your first sessions, your therapist can learn more about what you’re experiencing, talk with you about your goals, and recommend an approach that fits your needs. The most important first step is simply asking for help.
If you’re in Santa Monica, CA, and interested in psychotherapy, I invite you to schedule an appointment today. In-person sessions are available for local clients, and virtual therapy is also available whether you live nearby or another area in California.