What Are The Types of Therapy for Mental Health Issues?

by Yatesha Siva Kumar

August 28, 2025

Types of Therapy for Mental Health Issues: Exploring Your Options

When it comes to mental health, therapy is an essential tool for recovery. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, each person’s journey is unique, and the therapy you choose should align with your personal needs. At Sanctuary Clinics, we believe in helping individuals access the right kind of therapy for their situation.

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Best for: Anxiety, depression, and stress
How it works: CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviour. It focuses on practical coping skills to improve day-to-day life.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Best for: Childhood trauma, relationship struggles, and unresolved emotional conflicts
How it works: This therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence present-day behaviour. By bringing hidden issues to light, clients gain self-awareness and healing.

3. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Best for: Intense emotions, self-harm, and relationship challenges
How it works: DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. It teaches skills for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness.

4. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Best for: Depression, grief, and communication difficulties
How it works: IPT focuses on relationships and social interactions. It helps clients resolve conflicts, strengthen connections, and reduce emotional distress caused by interpersonal issues.

5. Family Therapy

Best for: Family conflict, parenting challenges, and teen issues
How it works: Family therapy involves multiple family members in sessions to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger support systems at home.

Choosing the Right Therapy

The most effective therapy depends on your needs, personality, and goals. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches, and it often takes time to find the right fit.

Therapy Type	Best For	How It Works
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)	Anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, phobias	Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)	Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), emotional dysregulation, self-harm	Combines CBT with mindfulness, teaches distress tolerance and emotional regulation
Psychodynamic Therapy	Childhood trauma, relationship issues, deep emotional conflict	Explores unconscious patterns formed in early life that affect current behaviour
Humanistic / Person-Centered Therapy	Low self-esteem, personal growth, life transitions	Emphasizes self-acceptance and self-exploration through a non-judgmental, empathetic therapist
Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT / MBSR)	Stress, anxiety, depression relapse prevention	Uses mindfulness practices to break negative thought loops and improve present-moment awareness
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)	PTSD, trauma, anxiety	Uses guided eye movements to process and reduce distress from traumatic memories
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)	Anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain	Teaches psychological flexibility—accepting thoughts without judgment and committing to values
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)	Goal-setting, problem-solving, short-term issues	Focuses on solutions rather than problems; builds on strengths and what’s working
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)	Depression, grief, social anxiety, relationship conflict	Helps improve communication skills and manage relationship patterns
Family Therapy	Family conflict, parenting challenges, teen issues	Involves the whole family to improve communication, resolve issues, and build stronger bonds
Couples Therapy / Marriage Counseling	Relationship conflict, communication breakdowns	Helps couples resolve conflicts and rebuild connection and trust
Art / Expressive Therapy	Trauma, children’s mental health, non-verbal processing	Uses creative outlets (art, music, movement) to express and process emotions
Narrative Therapy	Identity issues, trauma, depression	Helps clients reframe their personal stories in empowering and healing ways
Group Therapy	Addiction, grief, social anxiety, support networks	Led by a therapist; offers peer support and shared experiences in a safe space

Support Starts Here

At Sanctuary Clinics, we offer a range of therapeutic options tailored to each individual. Reach out to us to explore the right therapy for you and take your first step towards healing.