The simple idea
Real therapy follows a path:
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The families of therapy (one line each)
- CBT — works on the links between thoughts ↔ feelings ↔ behaviour.
- Psychodynamic — explores deeper patterns, past experiences, and relationships.
- DBT — builds emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and relationship skills.
- Exposure‑based — gradually facing feared things while dropping avoidance.
- Supportive — strengthening coping and everyday functioning.
| Therapy | Its focus |
|---|---|
| CBT | thoughts ↔ feelings ↔ behaviour |
| Psychodynamic | deeper patterns, past, relationships |
| DBT | emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness |
| Exposure‑based | facing feared things, dropping avoidance |
| Supportive | strengthening coping & functioning |
The secret ingredient: the alliance
Across all of them, one thing predicts success — the therapeutic alliance: a collaborative relationship where the person feels heard, respected, and safe enough to face hard things. (Important: alliance doesn't mean the therapist simply agrees with everything — it means genuine, honest partnership.)
Quick check ✅
- Why is psychotherapy more than "talking"?
- What is the "therapeutic alliance," and why does it matter?
Remember this 🌟
Where we're going next → Three therapies worth knowing by name — Concept 48.