There are many different types of psychotherapy, each with a different approach. The type of psychotherapy used will depend on each individual’s situation and needs. Some specific examples are:

Psychoanalysis - encourages the verbalization of all the patient's thoughts, including free associations, fantasies, and dreams, from which the analyst formulates the nature of the unconscious conflicts which are causing the patient's symptoms and character problems.

Behavioral Therapy - focuses on changing maladaptive patterns of behavior to improve emotional responses, cognitions, and interactions with others.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure in the present. Therapeutic techniques vary within the different approaches of CBT according to the particular kind of problem issues, but commonly may include keeping a diary of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviors; questioning and testing cognitions, assumptions, evaluations and beliefs that might be unhelpful and unrealistic; gradually facing activities which may have been avoided; and trying out new ways of behaving and reacting. Relaxation, mindfulness and distraction techniques are also commonly included.

Brief Therapy - emphasizes (1) a focus on a specific problem and (2) direct intervention. It is solution-based rather than problem-oriented. It is less concerned with how a problem arose than with the current factors sustaining it and preventing change.
Interpersonal therapy – focuses on improving one’s interpersonal skills by looking at how someone relates to family, friends and colleagues

Group Therapy – a discussion lead by a mental health provider between multiple people facing the same situation or mental illness