Quick Overview: No. The available information does not establish that a broad approach is better than a more focused approach, or that either description determines personal fit. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that some types of treatment address specific conditions, while others work across many different conditions. The National Institute of Mental Health states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches based on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment. A consultation can provide a place to ask questions and consider fit.
What Broad and Focused Can Mean in Available Information
“Broad” and “focused” are not presented in the supplied information as formal categories of psychotherapy. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration distinguishes between types of treatment that address specific conditions and types that work across many different conditions.
That distinction may be useful context when comparing therapy approach options. It does not establish which approach a particular person should choose, what treatment will involve, or what result someone will have. The supplied information does not provide a general ranking of approaches.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It states that psychotherapy and medication are common forms of mental-health treatment and that psychotherapy may be used as an alternative to or alongside medication and other treatment options.
The National Institute of Mental Health also notes that treatment is often tailored to a specific disorder. Its example is that an approach for obsessive-compulsive disorder differs from an approach for bipolar disorder. This information does not determine what is appropriate for an individual reader.
One Main Approach or Combined Elements
The National Institute of Mental Health states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. According to that source, the approach used depends on the therapist’s training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
The same source notes that there are many types of psychotherapy and that therapies are often variations of an established approach, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. It describes several possible elements of psychotherapy, including examining automatic ways of thinking, developing coping and problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques, tracking emotions and behaviors, and using supportive counseling to explore troubling issues and receive emotional support.
These examples describe elements that may be included in psychotherapy. They do not establish that every therapy approach includes the same elements or that a named approach fully describes how treatment will proceed.
Questions That Keep the Focus on Clear Information
The National Institute of Mental Health states that therapists have different professional backgrounds and specialties. It recommends asking whether a therapist has a specialty, what approach the therapist uses, whether the therapist practices a particular type of therapy, and the rationale and evidence base for the therapy.
It also states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. The source identifies rapport and trust as essential and notes that preliminary conversations may happen in person, by phone, or virtually.
A therapy approach name can therefore be one topic to explore rather than a complete answer. The supplied information supports asking direct questions about the approach, the therapist’s training and experience, the rationale for the therapy, and how progress would be assessed.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is the therapist listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy.
Reflection Questions for Therapy Approach Options
| Area | Questions to consider |
|---|---|
| Treatment focus | Is the information I am reviewing about a treatment for a specific condition or one used across many conditions? |
| Approach description | What approach does the therapist say they use? Do they practice a particular type of therapy? |
| Main approach or combined elements | Does the therapist describe one primary approach or elements from multiple approaches? |
| Training and experience | What training and experience does the therapist identify in relation to the approach? |
| Rationale and evidence | What rationale and evidence base does the therapist describe for the therapy? |
| Therapy process | How does the therapist describe how treatment will proceed and how progress will be assessed? |
Questions About Treatment Planning
The National Institute of Mental Health states that choosing a treatment plan is based on a person’s individual needs and medical situation and should occur under the guidance of a mental-health professional. It also notes that psychotherapy can address specific issues even when medication relieves symptoms.
The supplied information does not support deciding on a treatment plan from an article or from a broad-versus-focused description alone. It does support bringing questions to a preliminary conversation and asking for clear information about the therapist’s approach.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Questions consistent with the National Institute of Mental Health’s suggested topics include:
- Do you have a specialty?
- What approach do you use in therapy?
- Do you practice a particular type of therapy?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for the therapy you describe?
- How would treatment proceed, and how would progress be assessed?
FAQs
Is a broad therapy approach better than a focused one?
The supplied information does not support a general ranking. SAMHSA states that some types of treatment address specific conditions and others work across many different conditions. That statement does not determine personal fit or outcomes.
Can therapy include more than one approach?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches, depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
What can I ask about a therapist’s approach?
The National Institute of Mental Health suggests asking about the therapist’s specialty, the approach used, whether the therapist practices a particular type of therapy, and the rationale and evidence base for that therapy. It also includes questions about how treatment will proceed and how progress will be assessed.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer individual therapy?
Yes. Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy among its services. The practice also lists couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
Where does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer services?
Rooted Integrative Therapy states that it offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to ask about therapy approach options, Rooted Integrative Therapy invites inquiries and appointment requests through its Connect page. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
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.