Integrative Therapy

Integrative therapy is a form of counseling that combines techniques from different therapeutic orientations. This approach may be more adaptable than others, with integrative therapists recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another. Below are several methods that might be integrated into this form of treatment. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 

CBT techniques often help clients identify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that may cause emotional distress. A more optimistic and fact-based viewpoint may be developed through exercises like journaling or role-playing.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that the past shapes the present. With elements of psychodynamic therapy, individuals can learn to understand their past experiences and subconscious thoughts that may be affecting their current emotional state and behaviors. For example, an individual may be experiencing difficulties with trust because of a difficult childhood. 

Humanistic therapy 

Methods like person-centered therapy fall under the umbrella term of humanistic therapy. This category of modalities allows individuals to openly explore their thoughts and emotions for personal growth and self-acceptance. 

Mindfulness techniques

Mindfulness-based approaches may teach individuals to become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. Mindfulness often involves learning to be non-judgmental with emotions and thoughts and allowing them to exist as they are without taking action. 

Solution-focused therapy

Unlike approaches focusing on past experiences or underlying thought patterns, solution-focused therapy is geared toward finding practical solutions to immediate problems. This method is more goal-oriented and may help clients identify the skills and steps to find a solution. 

Family therapy

Integrative family therapy applies the integrative approach to help families manage various challenges. An integrative therapist might combine various therapeutic methods to help family members improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

Other modalities 

Integrative psychotherapy may provide a flexible, holistic approach to mental health treatment. Because there are numerous types of therapy, each integrative therapist may have unique certifications and experience.

Because there are hundreds of therapeutic modalities, each integrative therapist may have unique certifications and experience. Each integrative therapist is different, so talk to a provider before deciding who you want to work with. Some therapists may not have experience or training in specific modalities, so they may be unable to offer them.

During initial integrative counseling sessions, therapists may take the time to discover the reason you’ve come to therapy. By carefully analyzing the client's needs, preferences, and goals, the therapist may select the most appropriate techniques from various therapy models to create a customized treatment plan.

Often, integrative therapy works most effectively by first establishing a positive client-therapist relationship, as this connection can contribute significantly to successful treatment. A strong, positive connection between the client and therapist may promote trust, open communication, and collaboration.

Preparing for sessions 

To prepare for your sessions, consider reflecting on your goals and being open to discussing your thoughts and emotions with your therapist. Below are some questions you might ask yourself or journal about before therapy: 

• What specific mental health concerns do I want to address in therapy?
• What short-term and long-term goals do I hope to achieve through therapy?
• Are any specific events or experiences causing my current emotions or challenges?
• How open am I willing to be about my thoughts and emotions?
• How do I manage stress, and what alternative methods am I open to trying?
• Are there particular habits or patterns I'd like to break or develop?

As you progress through therapy, your therapist may regularly assess the effectiveness of each technique and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Since integrative therapy is highly personalized, the duration and frequency of therapy sessions may vary. For this reason, you can communicate openly with your therapist about your progress, comfort, and concerns. 

Integrative therapy can benefit individuals who may be experiencing numerous psychological concerns. Because it can combine different therapeutic techniques, integrative therapy can be tailored to a person’s situation, desires, and challenges. People who might benefit from integrative therapy include:

• People with depression: Integrative therapy can combine cognitive-behavioral techniques with more profound psychodynamic methods to treat the symptoms and root causes of depression.
• People with anxiety disorders: Mindfulness techniques may help individuals manage immediate anxiety symptoms, while cognitive therapies could shed insights into thought patterns connected to anxiety.
• Survivors of trauma: Integrative therapy may offer a balanced approach, including exposure therapy for trauma triggers and mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation.
• Individuals with personality disorders: An integrative approach may be beneficial in treating personality disorders, offering ways to cope. Both cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) have been proven effective in assisting those with personality disorders.
• Those with eating disorders: Combining cognitive approaches for behavioral changes with humanistic therapies for self-image challenges may form a more comprehensive treatment plan for eating disorders. 
• Individuals experiencing grief or loss: Integrative therapy may merge problem-solving approaches to cope with immediate life changes and psychodynamic approaches to process emotional pain.
• People with substance use disorders: Integrative therapy can combine motivational interviewing to address immediate behavioral changes with psychodynamic approaches to understand the root causes of addiction.
• Adults with ADHD: An integrative approach can mix behavioral interventions for focus and organization with mindfulness techniques for impulse control and emotional regulation for those with ADHD. 

Consult a mental health professional if you think integrative therapy might benefit you. Anyone can see a therapist, and you don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to ask for help. 

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Integrative therapy may involve several goals. Often, the main goal of this approach is to combine therapeutic techniques to develop a personalized treatment plan for the individual. Other possible goals for therapy are listed below:

Developing self-awareness

One of the goals of integrative therapy may be to help individuals develop self-awareness. By understanding their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, individuals might better identify patterns contributing to daily challenges.  

Improving emotional regulation

Another goal of integrative therapy may be to improve emotional regulation. This modality may help clients manage their emotional responses in various situations, promoting more effective coping skills. Emotional regulation might reduce the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression through techniques like mindfulness and relaxation exercises.

Stimulating personal growth

Individuals may be encouraged to explore their core values and beliefs through the therapeutic process. This exploration can lead to a more profound understanding of their authentic selves and promote personal development. 

Improving interpersonal relationships

Integrative therapy may aim to improve interpersonal relationships. By working on communication skills, conflict resolution, and empathic understanding, individuals can develop healthier connections with others. Developing strong, supportive relationships may contribute to overall well-being and increased social support. 

Goals for therapy can vary depending on the individual. A qualified therapist can guide an individual in creating achievable goals throughout therapy.

Integrative therapy has shown promise as an effective modality in research. Numerous studies have demonstrated its potential effectiveness in treating psychological disorders. 

Research shows that veterans with complex health problems may benefit from integrative therapies. Traditional treatments alone may not fully address the complexity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Techniques like mindfulness and art therapy may improve various symptoms, promote self-care skills, and have fewer side effects than medication. However, while integrative treatment shows promise, more robust clinical trials are recommended to understand its effectiveness better.

Another study explored the effectiveness of an integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention for gaming disorder symptoms among adolescents. After eight sessions, there were significant improvements in the group that received therapy, with a considerable decrease in gaming disorder symptoms and time spent gaming over six months. The study concluded that this therapy effectively alters how adolescents think about and are motivated by gaming.