Treatment Approaches

Behavioral therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses behavioral techniques to eliminate unwanted behaviors. It is rooted in the principles of behaviorism, emphasizing that we learn from our environment. Unlike insight-based therapies, behavioral therapy is action-oriented and highly focused. It aims to teach new behaviors to address specific issues. Types include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), applied behavior analysis, and exposure therapy.

To learn more about about the types of behavioral therapy, the techniques of behavioral therapy and what behavioral therapy can help with, please visit How Behavioral Therapy Works.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and behavior activation are some of the most commonly-used evidence-based treatment approaches for psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder among children, adolescents and adults.

For more information about what CBT is and what to expect from CBT, please visit the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Behavior Therapies website.

Another approach that has shown promises for difficult-to-treat psychological problems is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is an effective treatment for individuals with emotion dysregulation problems who often rely on ineffective, sometimes self destructive, and/or avoidance strategies to cope (e.g., substance use, self harm, binge eating, gambling).

For more information about the effectiveness of DBT and for whom DBT may work, please visit DBT Research Evidence and How DBT Helps.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented psychotherapy approach. It combines elements from traditional behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Clients learn to accept their inner emotions and commit to making necessary changes in their behavior, regardless of life circumstances. ACT aims to develop psychological flexibility, emphasizing acceptance, mindfulness, and values.

For more information about what ACT is, please visit ACT for the Public.

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are therapeutic practices that incorporate mindfulness and awareness techniques. They aim to cultivate present-moment attention, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. MBIs are utilized in various contexts, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to improve mental and emotional health. These interventions deliberately focus on the present moment, encouraging non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of experiences.

For more information about mindfulness-based intervention, please visit the UCSD Centre for Mindfulness.

Trauma-informed care shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” It acknowledges that health care providers need a complete picture of a patient’s life situation — past and present — to provide effective care. It emphasizes safety, trust, and sensitivity, focusing on understanding and responding to the unique needs of trauma survivors. This approach aims to promote healing, resilience, and recovery while avoiding re-traumatization.

To learn more about about what trauma-informed care is, please visit Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Centre.

Exposure-based therapy is a psychological treatment approach used to alleviate anxiety disorders, such as phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves systematic and controlled exposure to anxiety-inducing situations or stimuli to help individuals confront their fears, reduce avoidance behavior, and learn to manage their distress, ultimately promoting desensitization and symptom reduction.

To learn more about about what exposure-based therapy is and how it is used, please visit the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a specific form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves gradually exposing individuals to traumatic memories and situations they’ve been avoiding, helping them process and reduce the distress associated with these memories. PE aims to improve coping and reduce PTSD symptoms.

To learn more about about what PE is like, please visit Brain Injury and PTSD Treatment Hub.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. It involves guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while patients recall distressing memories. EMDR aims to help reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact and associated symptoms.

To learn more about about the experience of EMDR, please visit Experiencing EMDR Therapy.

The Gottman Method is a science-based approach to couples therapy developed in the 1980s and 90s by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It involves a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship, informing a tailored therapeutic framework. The method aims to help couples manage conflict and remove barriers to intimacy.

To learn more about about the effectiveness of the Gottman Method marital therapy and who benefits from it, please visit Gottman Love Lab.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy used to treat OCD and anxiety disorders. It involves exposing individuals to feared situations or thoughts, while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors. Over time, this helps reduce anxiety and the urge to perform rituals, teaching individuals to tolerate discomfort and break the cycle of fear and avoidance.

To learn more about about ERP, please visit the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings, and how they relate to past experiences, in order to help individuals understand and resolve deep-seated emotional issues. By exploring how past relationships and unresolved conflicts influence current behavior, psychodynamic therapy aims to promote self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and foster healthier relationships.

To learn more about about psychodynamic therapy, please visit the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy (CAPT).