Many clients who are new to therapy can get overwhelmed by all of the different types of therapy. Clients can sometimes feel a pressure to choose the exact “right” kind of therapy that will work the best for them. While studies have repeatedly shown that the modality of therapy used only accounts for a small portion of progress made in therapy, there are still many benefits to researching a few different schools of therapy. GoodTherapy.org has a very comprehensive list of different types of therapy laid out in alphabetical order. Each modality is described in clear, easily understandable language, and often includes descriptions of specific techniques, a brief history, and core values behind the modality.

The best advice that I can offer to new clients is to spend some time thinking about your own values and goals before researching therapy models. What are you looking for from therapy? Think of past friendships and relationships you have had, and consider what has been helpful for you in the past. Do you want a therapist with whom you can form a relationship? Do you prefer a therapist who remains neutral? Do you want to learn how to live in the moment? Do you think it is important to go back and re-examine your past? Do you want to learn specific skills? Do you want someone to listen? Do you want feedback? Is it important for your therapist to be similar to you demographically? Do you want to try something different? Getting a sense of some of your core values will help you weed out therapy modalities that might not be the greatest fit for you, or it may encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and consider a treatment model that you might not ever have considered before. At the end of the day, there is no one “perfect” form of therapy, but with all of the available options, you should be able to find a model that resonates with your own beliefs, ideals, and hopes.

If you want to learn more about my therapeutic orientation, please call (415) 658-5738 or visit my Appointments page to set up a consultation.