Understanding therapy: common approaches
There are many kinds of therapy, and most have solid research behind them. You do not need to memorize the names. Fit with your therapist matters more than the acronym.
CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Helps you notice the thoughts and behaviors that keep you stuck and practice more helpful ones. Structured, practical, present-focused. Strong evidence for depression, anxiety, and more.
DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Teaches concrete skills for handling intense emotions, easing distress in the moment, and improving relationships. Blends acceptance with change, and often uses mindfulness.
ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Helps you make room for hard thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, and take action based on what matters to you. Builds "psychological flexibility."
EMDR
A structured therapy for trauma: you briefly focus on a distressing memory while the therapist guides a back-and-forth movement, helping your brain reprocess it so it feels less raw. Well-established for PTSD.
Psychodynamic / talk therapy
Helps you understand yourself more deeply, including patterns from your past or relationships that shape how you feel today, through open, nonjudgmental conversation that builds insight.
The bottom line
Several approaches can help with the same concern. A good therapist can explain how they work and adjust to what you need.
Ready? See Find Care →Still have questions?
The difference between CBT and DBT, whether CBT helps with ADHD, what EMDR involves, and more are answered in Common questions.