When it comes to mental health, starting therapy is a big step, but choosing the right type of therapy can feel overwhelming. With so many terms floating around like CBT, EMDR, or psychodynamic psychotherapy, it’s easy to wonder: Which approach is right for me?
The truth is, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different people respond to different techniques based on their personalities, histories, and goals. At Sunstone Counseling, we believe in personalized counseling—because the most effective therapy is the one tailored to you.
Your path to mental well-being is unique—let Sunstone Counseling guide you with therapy that truly fits. Reach out to us today.
Why Different Types of Therapy Exist
Just as every person is unique, so are the paths to healing. Whether you’re facing anxiety disorders, substance abuse, trauma, or simply navigating a life transition, there are different types of therapy designed to meet you where you are.
A trained therapist will consider your symptoms, strengths, past experiences, and goals before recommending a therapy modality. It’s not about labeling you—it’s about using the most evidence-based and compassionate tools to promote healing.
Common Types of Therapy Explained
Let’s break down some of the most widely used and widely studied therapy types, so you can feel more confident navigating your options.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Best for: Negative thoughts, depression, anxiety disorders, and behavioral patterns
CBT (also known as cognitive behavioural therapy) helps you identify unhelpful beliefs and reframe them. It teaches problem-solving skills to challenge distorted thinking and improve behavior patterns.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Best for: Trauma, PTSD, stuck emotional memories
EMDR is a reprocessing therapy that helps your brain release the emotional “charge” of a traumatic event through bilateral stimulation like eye movements or tapping. It’s a go-to for therapists treating complex trauma, especially when talking through details is too painful. Comparing CBT vs EMDR, EMDR tends to work faster on deep-rooted trauma, while CBT gives you everyday tools for regulating emotions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Best for: Emotional regulation, borderline personality disorder, substance use, and intense reactions
DBT (or dialectical behavioral therapy) teaches mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and how to handle difficult emotions without spiraling. It’s commonly used with clients navigating mental health issues that cause emotional volatility or relationship distress.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Best for: Understanding patterns rooted in the past
This talk therapy focuses on how past experiences, especially early ones, shape your current relationships and self-perception. It offers space to explore unconscious motives, defense mechanisms, and internal conflicts. Psychodynamic therapy can help uncover the “why” behind persistent emotional patterns.
Person-Centered (Humanistic) Therapy
Best for: Personal growth, identity work, building self-esteem
Based on unconditional positive regard and empathy, this modality provides a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your emotions and decisions. It’s particularly helpful for people seeking a safe environment to reconnect with their authentic self.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Best for: Trauma, emotional distress, conflicting inner voices
IFS treats the mind as a system of “parts”, like the inner critic or wounded child, and teaches them to work together instead of against each other. It’s a powerful approach for building self-compassion and emotional insight.
What to Consider When Choosing a Type of Therapy
Not sure which modality to start with? That’s completely okay. Here’s what can help:
- Clarify your goals. Whether you’re seeking relief from negative emotions, managing mental health problems, or looking for personal growth, your goals help define your path.
- Talk to a therapist. A trained therapist will guide you in choosing a type of therapy that matches your needs.
- Know it can evolve. Therapy is a journey—and many therapists integrate multiple modalities, like using CBT while also offering breathing exercises or mindfulness for stress.
- Seek a good match. The connection you build with your healthcare professional matters as much as the method. Online therapy or in-person therapy sessions can both provide the connection and safe space you need.
Why Personalized Counseling Works
Personalization isn’t just about preference; it’s about effective treatment. The right therapy helps you:
- Address negative thoughts and behaviors
- Improve coping skills and emotional regulation
- Build stronger interpersonal relationships
- Reduce symptoms of mental health conditions
- Develop a more positive sense of identity and a fulfilling life
Whether you’re managing chronic stress, recovering from a traumatic event, or seeking meaning in your relationships, you deserve support that fits.
Contact us today to explore your options—from CBT to EMDR, psychodynamic therapy to commitment therapy—and find the therapist and approach that feels like the right fit for you.
