Nursing Competencies: Types of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy covers a broad range of multi-modal treatment approaches, some adhering to theoretical foundations and structured protocols while others are considered more fluid, utilising an integrated approach built on an assortment of theoretical foundations. Case formulation and treatment planning methods are developed and adjusted throughout the treatment trajectory, in alignment with the theoretical underpinnings from which they emerge. This chapter will discuss psychotherapies from a multi-generational and multi-modal lens, considering both structured and unstructured psychotherapy perspectives. This chapter is not meant to be exhaustive but will discuss a range of therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, compassion-focused therapy, internal family systems, polyvagal-informed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive processing theory, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic, and brainspotting therapy. This chapter will help readers understand some of the history of psychotherapy, how some modern psychotherapy approaches were construed, and the types of evidence-based psychotherapies available to explore and learn in more depth.