Types of Therapy for Mental Health

Types of therapy for mental health can feel overwhelming to navigate, especially if you’re new to the world of therapy or struggling with emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. With so many therapeutic approaches available, how do you know which one is right for your unique needs?

In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective and widely used types of therapy, explain what each one focuses on, and help you decide which might be the best fit for your personal healing journey.

Types of Therapy for Mental Health and the Importance of Understanding Them

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Just like no two people are alike, no two paths to healing are exactly the same. The types of therapy for mental health you choose can make a significant difference in your progress, comfort level, and overall satisfaction with treatment.

Some therapies focus on changing behaviours and thought patterns, while others prioritize emotional expression, past trauma, or personal insight. The goal is to help you find the right match—something that resonates with you and supports your goals for mental health and well-being.

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Best for: Anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, negative thinking patterns

CBT is one of the most researched and widely used types of therapy for mental health. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviours.

In CBT sessions, you’ll work with your therapist to recognize distorted thinking (like “I’m a failure” or “Nothing will ever get better”) and learn techniques to reframe those thoughts more realistically. CBT is action-oriented, often including homework assignments to reinforce skills learned in session.

✅ Great for clients who want tools, structure, and measurable progress.

Interested in learning CBT skills? Schedule a session here.

2. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Best for: Emotional regulation, borderline personality disorder, self-harm, relationship difficulties

DBT is a modified form of CBT that integrates mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or struggle with impulsive behaviour.

This method emphasizes balance, accepting where you are emotionally, while also working toward meaningful change. It’s one of the types of therapy for mental health designed to build life-saving skills and improve relationships.

✅ Ideal for those seeking emotional stability and greater self-awareness.

Ready to build emotional skills? Book your DBT consultation now.

3. Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian Therapy)

Best for: Low self-esteem, life transitions, depression, identity issues

Person-centered therapy is grounded in the belief that each individual has the capacity for self-healing and growth when given the right environment. It’s one of the most humanistic types of therapy for mental health, focusing on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity.

Instead of directing or advising, your therapist creates a safe space where you feel truly heard and understood. Over time, this process helps you develop deeper self-trust and personal clarity.

✅ Great for individuals seeking a warm, supportive environment for personal exploration.

Looking for a supportive space? Contact us to get started.

4. Psychodynamic Therapy

Best for: Long-standing emotional issues, relationship patterns, unresolved trauma

This approach dives into the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and deep-rooted emotions that may still affect your current behaviour. Psychodynamic therapy is less structured than CBT or DBT and focuses more on self-reflection and insight.

It’s one of the types of therapy for mental health that helps uncover the “why” behind recurring emotional or behavioural patterns.

✅ Best for clients looking for in-depth emotional exploration and lasting change.

Interested in exploring deeper emotions? Book your psychodynamic therapy session.

5. Trauma-Informed Therapies (Including Narrative Therapy)

Best for: PTSD, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, neglect, and complex life experiences

Trauma-informed therapies are designed to help individuals safely process and heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences without re-traumatization. These approaches recognize the widespread impact of trauma and aim to create a therapeutic environment grounded in safety, empowerment, and trust.

One effective method is Narrative Therapy, which helps clients re-author their personal stories. In this approach, you work with a therapist to explore how your experiences have shaped your identity and begin to separate yourself from the problems that have defined you. This creates space for healing, empowerment, and personal transformation.

Other trauma-informed approaches may draw from:

• Strength-based counselling
• Somatic awareness techniques
• Mindfulness and grounding practices

These types of therapy for mental health are especially helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck in the past, or defined by their trauma. They promote healing without forcing you to relive painful events in detail.

✅ Powerful for individuals seeking compassionate, empowering support through trauma recovery.

Need trauma-informed care? Schedule a consultation today.

6. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Best for: Short-term goals, life transitions, decision-making

SFBT is a forward-looking, goal-driven therapy that focuses on identifying your strengths and finding immediate solutions. Rather than digging deep into your history, this therapy asks: “What’s working?” and “How can we do more of that?”

It’s one of the most pragmatic types of therapy for mental health, offering a boost of clarity and direction for clients looking to overcome specific challenges quickly.

✅ Perfect for individuals with defined goals or who prefer a concise therapy experience.

Want quick, goal-focused results? Book your SFBT session now.

How to Choose the Right Therapy for You

Choosing between the many types of therapy for mental health can feel overwhelming, but remember, you don’t need to have all the answers upfront. Many therapists offer consultations to help you figure out the best fit based on your needs and preferences.

Here are a few questions to guide your choice:

• Do you want tools and strategies to manage your thoughts and behaviour? → Try CBT or DBT
• Do you need to process painful past experiences? → Look into trauma-informed therapy or narrative therapy
• Do you value self-discovery and emotional exploration? → Consider psychodynamic or person-centered therapy
• Do you want fast results for a specific issue? → SFBT might be right for you

No matter which direction you choose, the most important step is reaching out.

Ready to find your perfect therapy fit? Schedule a free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many types of therapy for mental health are there?
There are dozens, but the most common include CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, person-centered, solution-focused, and trauma-informed therapies. Each is tailored to different needs and goals.

Q: Can I switch therapy types if one doesn’t work?
Yes! Therapy is a personal journey. If one method isn’t helping, it’s completely okay to explore others.

Q: Is one type of therapy better than another?
Not necessarily. The best therapy is the one that aligns with your goals, personality, and challenges.

Ready to Start? Let’s Find the Right Therapy for You

Exploring the different types of therapy for mental health is a powerful first step in reclaiming your well-being. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma, or simply seeking clarity and growth, there’s a therapeutic approach that can support you.

🌿 If you’re ready to begin, book your consultation now. Let’s talk about what you need and find the therapy that fits you best. You don’t have to do this alone.

References

Shakeri, J., Ahmadi, S. M., Maleki, F., Hesami, M. R., Parsa Moghadam, A., Ahmadzade, A., Shirzadi, M., & Elahi, A. (2020). Effectiveness of Group Narrative Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, and Anxiety in People with Amphetamine Addiction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Iranian journal of medical sciences, 45(2), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.30476/IJMS.2019.45829