Chapter 1. Major Approaches to Therapy

According to some estimates, there exist at least 500 specific types of psychotherapy (Lilienfeld & Arkowitz, 2012, September 1). Therapies can be categorized along three major dimensions: manner of delivery, treatment approach, and theoretical perspective. Here we see where different therapies fall along these dimensions. As many as half of today’s therapists use a combined approach (Norcross & Beutler, 2014), intergrating multiple methods. The eclectic or holistic style may incorporate both biomedical and psychological treatments. All therapies share the common goal of reducing symptoms and increasing the quality of life.