Also known as client-centered therapy, this approach is grounded in the idea that people are inherently motivated toward achieving positive psychological functioning. The client is believed to be the expert in their life and invited to take a more active role in the therapeutic relationship, while the therapist takes a non-directive role.

Integrative therapy is an individualized, holistic approach to therapy that combines ideas and techniques from multiple therapeutic orientations to address a client’s unique concerns.

Expressive Arts therapy uses creative expression to help people heal and express themselves, while nurturing deep personal growth and transformation.

Somatic therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that looks at the connection of mind and body and uses both talk and physical therapies for holistic healing. The therapist may use mindfulness to direct the client’s focus to the energy and wisdom of the body.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) draws from attachment theory and aims to improve intimate relationships by rekindling the physical and emotional bond that can get sacrificed to disappointment in a partner and alienation from them. With the guidance of the therapist, partners are led to discover the unmet need for closeness that lies under their anger or alienation.

The Gottman Method examines interactive patterns that lead to distress and rupture in relationships. This approach is founded on the belief that couples who function effectively treat each other with consideration, and are supportive of each other.

Goals of this approach include increasing closeness and friendship behaviors, addressing conflict productively, and building a life of shared meaning together.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities within each person’s mental system. This system consists of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try to control and protect the client from the pain of the wounded parts.

IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by addressing dynamics and conflict between the inner parts.

If you liked the animated ‘Inside Out’ movies — this approach might be for you!

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach stemming from behavioral theories. Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives.

With this understanding, clients begin to accept their hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their behavior.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured approach with a strong educational component designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships.

The “dialectic” in dialectical behavior therapy is an acknowledgment that real life is complex, and health is not a static thing but an ongoing process.

DBT acknowledges the need for change in a context of acceptance of situations and recognizes the constant flux of feelings—many of them contradictory—without having to get caught up in them. The therapist guides clients to understand and accept that thought is an inherently messy process.