Quick Overview: A therapist’s training and experience can shape their therapist approach—the primary psychotherapy approach they use or the elements they combine from multiple approaches. NIMH states that therapists may use one main approach or incorporate elements from more than one approach, depending on training, experience, the concern being addressed, and the needs of the person receiving therapy. SAMHSA identifies several approaches within therapy and counseling, including family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. A preliminary conversation can help you ask how a therapist describes their approach, its rationale, and how progress may be assessed.
How Training Can Shape a Therapist Approach
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, according to NIMH. Within psychotherapy, a therapist approach may involve one primary model or elements from multiple models.
NIMH states that the approach a therapist uses depends on their training and experience, the concern being addressed, and the needs of the person receiving therapy. This is a general description of factors that may shape psychotherapy; it does not determine what approach a particular therapist will use for a particular person.
SAMHSA also describes therapy and counseling as including many approaches. Its examples include family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, often called CBT. These examples identify approaches named by SAMHSA; they do not identify the methods used by every therapist or practice.
Training may support use of one approach or multiple approaches
NIMH explains that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. Training and experience may shape whether a therapist works from one main approach or combines elements from more than one approach.
NIMH also notes that some psychotherapy approaches are tailored to a specific disorder. It gives the example that an approach for obsessive-compulsive disorder differs from an approach for bipolar disorder. This information describes how treatment approaches may vary in NIMH’s discussion. It does not establish what approach is appropriate for an individual reader.
A preliminary conversation can be a place to ask how a therapist describes the approach they use. NIMH suggests asking about the approach, whether the therapist practices a particular type of therapy, the rationale and evidence base for that therapy, therapy goals, and how progress will be assessed.
Therapy approaches can include different elements
NIMH identifies several elements that may be part of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can involve becoming aware of automatic thoughts that are inaccurate or harmful, questioning those thoughts, understanding how thoughts affect emotions and behavior, and changing self-defeating behavior patterns.
Other psychotherapy elements identified by NIMH include developing ways to cope with stress and problem-solving strategies; examining interactions with others and learning social and communication skills; using mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises; tracking emotions and behaviors; and using supportive counseling to explore troubling issues and receive emotional support.
NIMH also describes exposure therapy as a type of CBT for anxiety disorders. In this approach, a person spends brief periods in a supportive environment learning to tolerate distress related to certain items, ideas, or imagined scenes. NIMH states that this continues until fear associated with those things decreases over time.
These are general descriptions from NIMH. They do not establish that a particular therapist uses any one element, that a specific method will be used, or what result a person will experience.
Questions That Can Clarify a Therapist’s Approach
NIMH recommends a preliminary conversation with a prospective therapist as a way to understand how treatment may proceed and whether you feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH identifies rapport and trust as essential and notes that therapy discussions are deeply personal.
Questions can keep the conversation focused on information provided by the therapist rather than assumptions about a named approach. A therapist can describe the approach they use, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, and the rationale they offer for that approach.
Reflection questions for gathering information
| Reflection question | Information to ask about |
|---|---|
| What would I like to understand about therapy? | How the therapist describes the approach they use. |
| Do I want to ask about one approach or several approaches? | Whether the therapist uses a primary approach or incorporates elements from multiple approaches. |
| Which therapy terms are unfamiliar to me? | How the therapist defines the terms they use. |
| What goals would I want to discuss? | How therapy goals may be discussed and how progress may be assessed. |
| What service or access details matter for my inquiry? | Available services, in-person care near Orem and Provo, or virtual therapy across Utah. |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy is the practice of Alina Hovsoyan. Verified practice information lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. This article does not identify the specific therapy approaches used by Rooted Integrative Therapy or by Alina Hovsoyan. Questions about approach, services, goals, or access can be directed to the practice through its inquiry process.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How would you describe the approach you use in therapy?
- Do you use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches?
- Do you practice a particular type of therapy?
- What rationale and evidence base do you describe for the approach?
- What goals may be discussed, and how is progress assessed?
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Approaches
Can a therapist use more than one approach?
Yes. NIMH states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. NIMH identifies training and experience as factors that can shape the approach used.
What therapy approaches does SAMHSA name?
SAMHSA names family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy among the approaches included in therapy and counseling.
Does a preliminary conversation help explain a therapist’s approach?
NIMH states that a preliminary conversation can help someone understand how treatment may proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist. NIMH suggests asking about the approach, its rationale and evidence base, therapy goals, and progress assessment.
Does this article identify a method someone should choose?
No. The research notes do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
Sources and Further Reading
These authoritative resources provide general background for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to contact Rooted Integrative Therapy, you can use the connect page.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.