Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health states that a therapist’s approach can depend on the therapist’s training, experience, and the needs of the person receiving therapy. It also says that treatment is often tailored to the specific disorder being treated. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that some treatment types address specific conditions, while others work for many different conditions. These general points do not determine personal fit, a particular therapy approach, or outcomes for an individual.
How Training and the Matter Being Discussed Can Shape an Approach
The approved question uses the word “concern.” The available sources use more specific terms: NIMH refers to the disorder being treated, and SAMHSA refers to conditions. Those sources support a broad answer: a therapist’s training and experience can influence the approach they use, and the disorder or condition being addressed can also be relevant.
NIMH defines 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 therapists may use a primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. According to NIMH, this may depend on the therapist’s training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving therapy.
SAMHSA describes many different types of treatment and distinguishes between treatment types that address specific conditions and those that work for many different conditions. This description offers general information about treatment types. It does not identify which approach is appropriate for a particular person.
Training and Experience Are Part of the Picture
NIMH states that therapists have different professional backgrounds and specialties. It also states that the approach a therapist uses depends on their training and experience, as well as the disorder being treated.
A therapist’s training can therefore be a useful topic for a preliminary conversation. Rather than assuming what a therapist offers based on a broad label, a person can ask how that therapist describes their approach, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, and what informs their work.
NIMH suggests asking prospective therapists whether they have a specialty, what approach they will use, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, and what the rationale and evidence base are for that therapy. These questions can help clarify what a therapist describes. They do not establish fit or predict a result.
Treatment May Be Tailored to a Specific Disorder
NIMH states that treatment is often tailored to the specific disorder being treated. Its example notes that the treatment approach for obsessive-compulsive disorder differs from the approach for bipolar disorder. The source also says that therapists may use a primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving therapy.
SAMHSA uses different language, stating that some treatment types address specific conditions while others work for many different conditions. Neither source provides a way for a reader to select a treatment independently. A conversation with a mental-health professional can be a place to ask how the therapist understands the approach being discussed.
Psychotherapy Can Include Different Elements
NIMH describes several elements that can appear in psychotherapy. These include becoming aware of inaccurate or harmful automatic thoughts and questioning those thoughts; identifying ways to cope with stress and develop problem-solving strategies; examining interactions with others and learning social and communication skills; and applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
The same source also describes tracking emotions and behaviors to raise awareness of their impact on each other. It describes supportive counseling as a way to explore troubling issues and receive emotional support. NIMH discusses exposure therapy as a type of cognitive behavioral therapy used for anxiety disorders.
These descriptions explain elements that may appear in psychotherapy. They do not mean that a particular therapist uses every element, that a specific element will be discussed, or that an element is suitable for a particular person.
Questions That Keep the Discussion Grounded
NIMH says that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist. It identifies rapport and trust as essential. A preliminary conversation may occur in person, by phone, or virtually, according to NIMH.
The following reflection questions are drawn from topics NIMH identifies for discussion with a prospective therapist.
Reflection Questions Before a Consultation
| Question | What it can help clarify |
|---|---|
| What would I like to understand about the therapist’s approach? | How the therapist describes their work |
| Does the therapist practice a particular type of therapy? | Whether a specific therapy type is named |
| What is the rationale and evidence base for the approach? | The therapist’s explanation of the approach |
| What goals might be discussed in therapy? | How treatment goals are described |
| How would progress be assessed? | How progress is discussed |
This table is a set of questions, not a method for choosing treatment independently. NIMH states that choosing a treatment plan should occur under the guidance of a mental-health professional.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do your training and experience inform your therapy approach?
- Do you practice a particular type of therapy?
- What approach would you describe for the issue I would like to discuss?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for that approach?
- What goals of therapy might be discussed, and how is progress assessed?
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy offers individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by the practice.
The practice’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. Rooted Integrative Therapy lists in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
A practice listing does not answer what approach will be used in an individual situation. The consultation questions above can help focus an initial inquiry on the information a person wants to understand.
FAQs
Can a therapist’s training influence their therapy approach?
Yes. NIMH states that a therapist’s approach can depend on their training and experience, along with the disorder being treated and the needs of the person receiving therapy.
Can the disorder or condition being addressed influence treatment?
NIMH states that treatment is often tailored to the specific disorder being treated. SAMHSA states that some treatment types address specific conditions, while others work for many different conditions.
Do these general descriptions identify the right therapy approach for me?
No. The available information describes broad factors that may influence an approach. It does not determine personal fit, a treatment choice, or outcomes for an individual.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests using its contact details or form.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used 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 are considering individual therapy, Rooted Integrative Therapy describes a consultation call as an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. You can use the practice’s Connect page to make an inquiry or request an appointment.
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.