MIND. LIFE. FAMILY.

What type of therapy might be right for me?

MindNLife therapists draw from a range of clinically recognised therapeutic approaches, selecting and adapting therapy according to your individual needs, circumstances and goals.

What are the different types of therapy?

Finding an Approach That Works for You

If you are considering therapy, you may have come across terms such as CBT, EMDR, ACT or Mindfulness and wondered what they mean — or which approach might be right for you.

There is no single type of therapy that is right for everyone. Different approaches focus on different aspects of our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, experiences and relationships.

At MindNLife, your therapist will take the time to understand what you are experiencing and what you would like to achieve before recommending an appropriate approach. In some cases, your therapist may draw from more than one therapeutic model as your needs change.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, commonly known as CBT, explores the relationship between your thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

It can help you recognise patterns of thinking or behaviour that may be contributing to difficulties in your everyday life and develop practical strategies for responding differently.

CBT may be used to support people experiencing concerns such as anxiety, low mood, stress and other emotional or behavioural difficulties.

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that helps people develop practical skills for managing difficult emotions and responding to challenging situations.

DBT can include learning ways to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, practise mindfulness and communicate more effectively within relationships.

Your therapist may incorporate DBT techniques when emotional regulation or coping with intense feelings is an important part of your therapeutic goals.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than constantly struggling against them.

It encourages greater awareness of what matters to you and helps you take actions that are more closely aligned with your personal values.

ACT may be particularly helpful when difficult thoughts or feelings are getting in the way of living the life you would like to lead.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness involves learning to pay greater attention to your thoughts, feelings and experiences in the present moment without immediately judging or reacting to them.

Mindfulness techniques may be incorporated into therapy to help you become more aware of your emotional responses, manage stress and develop different ways of responding to difficult thoughts and feelings.

Rather than necessarily being a therapy on its own, Mindfulness can complement several other therapeutic approaches.

What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach commonly used to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences.

During EMDR, your therapist guides you through a structured process while using bilateral stimulation, which may involve guided eye movements or other methods.

EMDR does not necessarily require you to describe every detail of a traumatic experience. Your therapist will first discuss whether EMDR is appropriate for you and help you prepare before beginning trauma processing.

What is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Solution-Focused Therapy focuses on what you would like to change and the practical steps that may help you move towards that goal.

Rather than spending most of the therapeutic process analysing the origins of a problem, the approach explores your existing strengths, resources and previous successes and how these might help you create positive change.

It can be particularly useful when you have a specific concern or goal that you would like to work towards.

What is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy?

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy focuses on the emotional connection and patterns of interaction between partners.

Couples can sometimes become caught in recurring cycles of conflict, withdrawal or disconnection.

Emotionally Focused Therapy helps partners recognise these patterns, understand the emotions and needs beneath them and develop healthier ways of responding to one another. This approach may be incorporated into couples therapy where emotional connection and relationship patterns are central to the concerns being addressed.

What is Gottman Couples Therapy?

Gottman Couples Therapy is a structured approach to couples therapy based on research into relationships and the patterns that can contribute to relationship stability or distress.

Therapy may explore areas such as communication, conflict, friendship, intimacy and shared goals.

Couples can learn practical strategies for managing disagreements, communicating more effectively and strengthening their understanding of one another.

How do I know which type of therapy I need?

You do not need to choose a therapeutic approach before contacting MindNLife.

Most people come to therapy knowing what they are struggling with, rather than knowing whether they need CBT, ACT, EMDR or another approach.

Your therapist will take the time to understand your concerns, circumstances and goals and discuss the therapeutic approach that may be most appropriate. Therapy may also evolve over time as your needs and goals change.

If you are unsure where to begin, contact MindNLife. We can help you find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.

Common Questions About Types of Therapy

Can my therapist use more than one type of therapy?

Yes. Depending on their training and your individual needs, a therapist may draw from more than one therapeutic approach rather than working exclusively within a single model.

Do I need to know which therapy I want before booking?

No. You can simply explain what you are experiencing and what you would like help with. Your therapist can discuss the approaches that may be appropriate for you.

Does every MindNLife therapist offer every type of therapy?

No. MindNLife therapists have different professional backgrounds, areas of expertise and training in particular therapeutic approaches.

You can review our therapist profiles to learn more about each therapist’s experience and approach.

Meet Our Therapists