Quick Overview: Different therapy approaches can have different names because psychotherapy, therapy, and counseling include a range of approaches and elements. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. NIMH names cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, relaxation, communication-skills, and supportive counseling elements. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy among common names. The materials discussed here do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
Therapy approach names can appear in practice descriptions, conversations, and general mental-health education. A name may refer to an established approach, an element used within psychotherapy, or a common term for therapy or counseling. Asking what a term means in a particular practice can keep the conversation focused on the approach being described.
NIMH 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. NIMH also notes 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 Different Therapy Approach Names Can Refer To
NIMH identifies several elements that may be part of psychotherapy. One is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. NIMH describes CBT as helping a person become aware of automatic ways of thinking that are inaccurate or harmful, question those thoughts, understand how thoughts affect emotions and behavior, and change self-defeating behavior patterns.
NIMH also lists identifying ways to cope with stress and developing problem-solving strategies. Other listed elements include examining interactions with others and teaching social and communication skills; applying 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 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 associated with certain items, ideas, or imagined scenes. NIMH states that this process continues over time until the fear associated with those things goes down.
SAMHSA lists family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, and CBT among common names for therapy and counseling. SAMHSA also states that therapy and counseling are usually focused on developing healthy coping skills, including for the loss of a loved one, drug or alcohol use, or a problem in a relationship.
Primary approaches and combined elements
A therapy name does not necessarily describe every element a therapist may use. NIMH states that a therapist may use one 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 treatment.
This distinction can make unfamiliar terminology easier to discuss. Rather than assuming that a single label explains the full approach, a person can ask whether a therapist uses a particular type of therapy, one primary approach, or elements from multiple approaches.
Questions can clarify how an approach is described
NIMH states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH notes that these conversations may happen in person, by phone, or virtually.
NIMH suggests asking a prospective therapist what approach they will use, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, and what the rationale and evidence base are for that therapy. Its suggested questions also address therapy goals, progress assessment, and whether a therapist recommends a specific time frame or number of sessions.
Reflection Questions for Therapy Approach Names
This table does not compare approaches or predict outcomes. It offers questions for preparing to discuss different therapy approaches.
| Reflection question | Question to bring forward |
|---|---|
| Which therapy approach names have I encountered? | “How do you describe the approaches you use?” |
| Which terms would I like explained? | “What does this term mean in your work?” |
| Am I asking about one approach or several elements? | “Do you use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches?” |
| What would I like to know about the reason for an approach? | “What is the rationale and evidence base for this approach?” |
| What do I want to understand about therapy goals? | “What are the goals of therapy?” |
| What questions do I have about progress? | “How will progress be assessed?” |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy
Rooted Integrative Therapy is the practice of Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW. The practice lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services.
Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. Its FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- Which therapy approaches or elements do you use?
- Do you use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches?
- How would you explain the approach you use in plain language?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for the approach you describe?
- What are the goals of therapy, and how will progress be assessed?
- Which Rooted Integrative Therapy services can you tell me about?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are different therapy approaches?
Different therapy approaches include the psychotherapy elements and therapy or counseling names described by NIMH and SAMHSA. NIMH lists CBT, mindfulness, relaxation, communication-skills, and supportive counseling elements. SAMHSA lists family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, and CBT among common names.
Can a therapist use more than one approach?
NIMH states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. NIMH says this can depend on the therapist’s training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
Does an approach name determine whether therapy will fit me?
The NIMH and SAMHSA materials discussed here do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. A preliminary conversation can provide an opportunity to ask how treatment will proceed, what approach may be used, and what its rationale and evidence base are.
What therapy services does Rooted Integrative Therapy list?
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through 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 would like to ask about therapy approach names or Rooted Integrative Therapy’s listed services, visit the Connect page to make an inquiry or request an appointment. The practice’s 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.