Integrative Therapy
Many individuals seek therapeutic guidance to manage the challenges of life and address symptoms associated with a mental disorder or mental health conditions. If you are seeking therapy, you may have noticed several types of theoretical approaches that psychologists and therapists use. One such approach is integrative therapy.
Integrative therapy
Integrative therapy works by combining theoretical orientation approaches, psychological theories, and interventions to the different needs of different patients. Psychotherapy has been shaped by various historical, sociopolitical, philosophical, cultural, spiritual beliefs, and gender-affirming worldviews and global events since its inception, causing a wide variety of options for clients seeking counseling. The evolution of the field of psychotherapy has been shaped by several paradigms, including:
- Psychoanalytic
- Behavioral
- Humanistic-existential
- Transpersonal
- Multiculturalism
- Family systems therapy
- Ecopsychology
- Music therapy
- Social constructivism and social justice
- Client advocacy
Integrative therapy aims to fuse multiple models of these paradigms holistically to meet their clients' unique needs, tailoring psychotherapy to the individual patient as their psychotherapy relationships grow. It often focuses on integrating aspects of multiple techniques and adapting and adjusting to the needs of the individual client in a way that is distinct from other therapies. Integrative therapy offers flexibility and focuses on an individual.
Integrative therapy can be suitable for all ages, including adults, adolescents, and children at different stages of development. Integrative therapy can also be used in group and individual settings, and a therapist may use many psychological relationships and different approaches before determining one primary approach for a given client.
Starting therapy
Integrative therapy employs a unique approach and tools suited to you and your goals. During psychotherapy integration, your therapist or mental health professional might ask you the following types of questions:
- What makes you unique?
- Do you prefer a specific approach to psychotherapy?
- How can a therapist support you in your goals?
- What needs do you have that you consider unfulfilled?
- Do you have preferences for the type of therapist you work with?
- What coping skills have you utilized in the past?
- Were your past coping skills effective?
- Have you ever tried psychotherapy before?
After understanding your history and life challenges, taking symptoms, and discussing your goals and self-help skills, your therapist can work with you to develop an integrative therapy treatment plan based on several therapeutic techniques or effective psychotherapy modalities designed to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Integrative vs. eclectic treatment
Integrative therapy and eclectic therapy/eclectic theory are often used interchangeably, but according to the American Psychological Association, the methods can differ slightly. An eclectic approach to psychotherapy may indicate knowledge of multiple aspects of therapeutic approaches or interventions that the therapist can use throughout treatment. In an integrative therapy approach, a therapist may carefully select complementary approaches and interventions to create a model for long-term treatment. However, both types of therapists may change their approach if needed throughout sessions.
Each person is unique, and one method will not necessarily be the best for everyone. Instead, integrative therapy depends on the person receiving it, and these integrative therapy techniques may allow therapists to personalize their practice while remaining flexible and inclusive of a particular client and their needs.
Finding a therapist for integrative therapy
Many therapists may offer an integrated approach and use evidence-based practice from an integrative therapy perspective, even if it isn't advertised on their website. When looking for a counselor, ask them about their approach to treatment.
Many therapists may include the types of psychotherapy they practice on their website or bio through a platform. You can also read past client reviews to ensure patients had positive experiences and view their treatment in a positive regard. When considering a provider, note that therapists within the US must maintain a license to practice. A credible therapist can be open to discussing their license, background, education, and psychological approaches with you.
Integrative therapy process
Below are a couple of different techniques and aspects that you might face in integrative therapy.
Therapy modalities
An integrative therapist may use several techniques and theoretical orientations to practice this type of therapy, including modalities such as cognitive analytic psychotherapy or interpersonal psychotherapy. For example,cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard treatment for various mental health concerns. CBT can often be paired with other types of psychotherapy, like exposure psychotherapy, making it a popular choice for integrative therapy.
Various aspects of life through integrative therapy
An integrative therapist in integrative therapy may also examine your concerns through various lenses. For example, these therapists may look at depression as a combination of childhood attachment lessons, current relationship conflicts, and skills in the present moment. The provider can then treat each concern with a psychotherapy modality or technique specific to treating it, potentially using multiple approaches through a process called theoretical integration.
Online therapy options
There are several ways to find a therapist for integrative therapy or talk therapy. However, many clients face barriers to finding in-person support due to cost, distance, or scheduling. In these cases, integrative therapy may also be found online, offering a modern form of treatment unique to each individual. Online psychotherapy can address the same symptoms or concerns as in-person therapy and is often more affordable, convenient, and flexible. You can choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions with your therapist.
In one study of integrative online treatment for depression, research shows web-based psychotherapy was especially beneficial to those unable to afford the cost of in-person treatment through a combination of therapeutic approaches. Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can find therapists specializing in various approaches and express your interest in integrative therapy. With over 30,000 therapists on the platform, you can be matched with someone meeting your preferences within 24 to 48 hours of signing up.
Takeaway
The types of integrative therapy?
Integrative therapy is a combined approach that often combines several types of therapy and various techniques to create a custom treatment plan. Some types of therapy that integrative psychotherapists may include in an integrative therapy plan include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Cognitive analytic therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Motivational interviewing
Evidenced based benefits of integrative therapy?
Research has shown that integrative therapy treatments effectively treat several psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and personality disorders. One of the biggest benefits of integrative therapy is that it allows for a flexible and individualized approach to mental health care where a mental health professional can combine different models and different theories to create the best treatment plan for a person’s unique needs.
Disadvantages of integrative therapy?
Some disadvantages of integrative therapy include the potential for inconsistency in therapeutic approaches, as blending specific techniques can lead to confusion if not well-coordinated.
Is CBT integrative mental health treatment?
Yes, CBT is considered an integrative and inclusive approach as it combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to address a range of issues, often using other techniques from other therapeutic models depending on the client’s needs.
What is ADAPT?
ADAPT stands for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, and it’s a program created by the United States Air Force. The primary goal of the ADAPT program is to promote readiness and health through preventing and treating substance misuse and to decrease the negative impacts of substance misuse on the person, their family, and the organization.
Is integrative therapy evidence-based?
Yes, integrative therapy is an evidence-based approach, as it combines proven techniques from multiple therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual’s needs. However, therapists who practice integrative therapy may combine modalities from various perspectives that haven’t necessarily been studied together.
How can therapists learn more about integrative therapy?
Most psychotherapists can learn more about integrative therapy by attending specialized training programs, workshops, and certification courses. They can also read relevant research and literature. Engaging in continuing education and seeking supervision from experienced integrative therapists can also deepen their understanding and application of integrative techniques.
Meaning of integrative therapy?
Like technical eclecticism, integrative therapy combines various therapeutic approaches to address the unique needs of each client, offering a holistic therapy experience that treats the person as a whole. It can inspire hope by creating more effective treatment options for patients who need more customized treatment.
Example of integrative therapy?
An example of integrative therapy could be a person with social anxiety receiving a combination of treatments. For example, their therapist might use CBT techniques to help reframe negative thought patterns and mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety in social situations.
What is integration in therapy?
Integration in therapy is when a therapist helps their client remove rigid boundaries around parts of themselves to connect different parts of their experiences, beliefs, and feelings, often resolving inner conflicts and fostering a more unified, healthy identity.
- Previous Article
- Next Article