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Beyond the Label: The Truth About Therapy Modalities
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When you're looking for a therapist, you'll often see a dizzying list of therapy types: CBT, DBT, IFS, Schema Therapy, and so on. It's natural to wonder, "Which one is right for me?"
The truth is, while each modality offers a powerful set of tools, the most important factor in your progress isn't the label. It’s the human connection you build with your therapist. This idea is central to the common factors theory, which suggests that shared elements like the therapeutic relationship, your belief in the process, and the therapist’s empathy often have a greater role in your healing than the specific techniques used.
Why an Eclectic Approach Is Best
Your life isn't static, and neither are your needs. A good therapist knows that your challenges are a delicate interplay of many different aspects of your life—your past, your relationships, your career, and your identity.
That's why many therapists, including those at Synapse, take an eclectic approach. We draw from various modalities to tailor the therapy to you, not the other way around. Here are some examples of how we might combine different approaches based on a client's specific needs:
For anxiety disorders, we might use exposure therapy to help you confront fears in a safe way, while also using a schema-based approach to understand the deep-rooted beliefs that drive your anxiety.
For depression or substance abuse, we might use motivational interviewing to help you find the internal motivation to change.
For couples and family work, IFS (Internal Family Systems) can be a powerful tool to understand each person’s different parts and roles.
For clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or difficulties in processing emotions, we may lean on DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help them develop skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships.
The goal is always to meet you where you are and provide the specific tools you need, as you need them.
A Journey of Unravelling and Empowerment at Synapse
The beauty of this approach is best seen through real-life journeys. I recently worked with a client who initially came in for work-related stress. They felt overwhelmed, unable to manage their workload. We quickly discovered that the stress was coming from a lack of assertiveness and a deep-seated need to be liked. This was tied to schemas—or beliefs—that if they weren't useful to others, they would be left alone.
Addressing these issues meant we had to dig much deeper than their work life. We used an eclectic mix of therapy styles:
We began with a behavioral approach, using exposure therapy to build their assertiveness in small, manageable steps.
Over time, we transitioned to a deeper dive into their core beliefs and self-image, which had been shaped by the shame they had internalized around their homosexual identity.
Unravelling the layers of self-hatred and self-criticism took time, but the work was transformative. In their final session, the client shared a powerful story. They had not only gained the confidence to set boundaries at work but had also overcome their shame and come out to their immediate family and close friends. The most important part was that their choice not to tell their extended family was an act of boundary-setting, not a response to fear or shame.
A New Beginning: The Termination Phase
This journey highlights how the termination phase looks different for every client. For some, it's a straightforward conclusion after a few focused sessions. For others, like the client above, it's a profound moment where the goals set at the start of therapy, as well as new goals discovered along the way, have been successfully addressed. It's a testament to the client's hard work and the therapist's ability to adapt and provide comprehensive care.
At Synapse Mental Wellbeing, we are prepared for every unique journey. We are a team of top-quality mental health professionals dedicated to providing you with the right tools, the right support, and the right relationship to help you find your path forward.
