Therapy Approaches Explained

Choosing a therapy can feel like reading an alphabet you were never taught. The acronyms describe different methods, each with its own focus and evidence base.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and practises changing unhelpful patterns. It is well studied for anxiety and depression.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adds skills for tolerating distress and regulating emotion, and is often used where emotions run intense. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focuses less on changing thoughts and more on acting according to your values while thoughts come and go.

EMDR uses guided eye movements alongside recall of difficult memories, and is widely used for trauma. Psychodynamic therapy explores how earlier relationships shape present patterns.

The strongest predictor of a good outcome is not the acronym but the relationship. A therapist you trust, working in a method suited to your situation, is the combination worth looking for.