Different Therapy Styles: Finding the Right Fit for You

Mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all process. Symptoms may look similar on the surface, but the factors shaping a person’s emotional life - developmental history, medical context, temperament, trauma exposure, and current stressors - are often complex and deeply individual. Understanding different therapy approaches can help you engage more thoughtfully in care and begin conversations about what type of support may be most appropriate for you.

At The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness, therapy is never chosen in isolation. Treatment decisions are made through careful assessment and ongoing collaboration, with attention to readiness, safety, and the broader clinical picture. Below is an overview of several commonly used therapy approaches and how they are typically applied.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-studied psychotherapy models in psychiatry. It focuses on the relationships among thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how certain patterns can reinforce distress over time.

CBT may help individuals:

• Identify habitual or distorted thinking patterns

• Understand how those patterns influence emotional responses and behavior

• Learn structured strategies to test, modify, or respond differently to those thoughts

This approach can be effective for many presentations, including anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related concerns. However, CBT is most useful when it is thoughtfully tailored - paced appropriately, adapted to cognitive and emotional capacity, and integrated with the person’s broader clinical context. For some patients, CBT tools are central; for others, they are one component of a more layered treatment plan.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized intervention most often used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and certain anxiety conditions. While ERP is grounded in strong evidence, it also requires careful clinical judgment and preparation.

ERP involves:

• Gradual, intentional exposure to anxiety-provoking thoughts, images, or situations

• Support in reducing compulsive behaviors, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance

• Allowing anxiety to rise and fall naturally, helping the nervous system relearn safety

Because ERP can be emotionally demanding, readiness and pacing are essential. When introduced thoughtfully and supported by psychiatric oversight, ERP can be highly effective. When rushed or poorly matched, it can feel overwhelming. Skilled guidance helps ensure that the work remains therapeutic rather than destabilizing.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes a different - but complementary - approach to emotional suffering. Rather than focusing on eliminating distressing thoughts or feelings, ACT emphasizes changing how one relates to internal experiences.

ACT focuses on:

• Developing awareness and acceptance of thoughts and emotions without excessive struggle

• Clarifying personal values and long-term priorities

• Supporting meaningful action even in the presence of discomfort

ACT is often helpful for individuals navigating chronic stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions. It can be particularly valuable when symptoms are persistent or when efforts to “control” internal experiences have become exhausting. As with any modality, ACT is most effective when adapted to the individual’s developmental stage, cognitive style, and clinical needs.

Thoughtful, Individualized Treatment Planning

At The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness, therapy selection is part of a broader, integrative treatment process. Clinician-led care allows for diagnostic depth and careful coordination between psychotherapy, medication when appropriate, developmental considerations, and medical or psychiatric comorbidities.

Therapy is not static. Your needs may change over time, and treatment may evolve accordingly. Some individuals benefit from structured, skills-based approaches; others need stabilization, relational work, or a slower pace before engaging in certain techniques. Our role is to help guide those decisions with discernment and clinical care.

Moving Forward With Clarity

Choosing a therapy approach is not about finding the “best” modality - it is about finding the approach that fits you at this point in your life. With careful assessment and collaborative planning, therapy can support meaningful, sustainable change rather than quick or superficial solutions.

If you are considering therapy or are looking for a more integrated, clinician-led approach to mental health care, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness to discuss your concerns and explore thoughtful treatment options. Contact our office in Mesa, Arizona at (480) 470-3442 or visit our website to request an appointment.