The most common forms of psychotherapy used in the treatment of emotional and mental health disorders include:

• Behavior therapy. Also called behavior modification, the goal of this therapy is to replace undesirable behaviors with healthier ones. Some techniques used in behavior modification include:
  
  
• Positive reinforcement. A technique in which positive behavior is rewarded.
  
  
• Desensitization. A technique in which patients confront situations that cause discomfort, fear or anxiety and overcome negative emotions.

Exposure therapy is a common form of behavior therapy in which a therapist repeatedly exposes the patient to a disturbing object or situation until the patient learns to cope and work through the trauma.  It is often effective for patients with phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Cognitive therapy. A therapy that involves identifying distorted patterns of thinking, which are called maladaptive schemas. These are fundamental core beliefs or assumptions that are part of the perceptual filter people use to view the world. An example of a maladaptive schema is a statement such as “The world is an evil or dangerous place.”
  
  
• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). A type of psychotherapy that combines techniques used in both behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. The goal of cognitive behavior therapy is to help patients change negative thought patterns, beliefs and behaviors so that they can manage their symptoms and enjoy more productive, less stressful lives.

An example of CBT is Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which includes both individual and group sessions that focus on skills for addressing suicidal behavior, handling stress and controlling emotions. Initially designed for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT is now used for other emotional disorders and conditions (e.g., eating disorders, substance abuse).

• Psychoanalysis. In this therapy, patients examine their memories, events and feelings from the past to understand present feelings and behavior. Psychoanalysis is based on the theory that mental health disorders are caused by the repression of traumatic experiences or subconscious desires.
  
  

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy. Based on the principles of psychoanalysis, this form of psychotherapy emphasizes understanding the issues that motivate and influence the way a patient behaves, thinks and feels. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the theory that a person’s behavior is determined by their past experiences, genetics and current situation.
  
  
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT). This therapy focuses on a patient’s relationship with other people. The purpose of interpersonal therapy is to improve a patient’s interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Psychoeducational therapy. This type of psychotherapy focuses on teaching patients – and sometimes family members and friends – about their illness. It explores treatment options, coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
  
  In this therapy, patients can learn about resources in their community, such as support groups. Patients can also learn to recognize symptoms to prevent a relapse. Psychoeducational therapy can help treat patients with a chronic or severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia.
  
  
• Supportive therapy. This therapy is based on the assumption that patients improve when there is someone to talk to who is validating what they are saying. It involves efforts to enhance the therapist-patient relationship and the patient's self-esteem, and to minimize anxiety.
  
  
• Integrative psychotherapy. This type of therapy utilizes a combination of treatment strategies from various types of psychotherapies. For example, a psychotherapist may combine treatment strategies from psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy to treat a patient’s mental illness.
  
  
• Play therapy. Form of therapy that uses toys, games and art to enable children to express themselves and allows a psychotherapist to address their problems.
  
  
• Group therapy. Therapy involving multiple patients with only one therapist. All members of the group participate and analyze each other’s problems under the guidance of a therapist.
  
  
• Family therapy (including couples or marriage therapy). Rather than treating just the individual, this therapy treats the family as a whole with a focus on family dynamics (the interaction of the family members).

In addition, psychotherapy make take place individually (individual therapy) or in a group setting (group therapy).