If you’ve been searching for therapists, you may notice that each provider takes a different approach to therapy, utilizing various types - or modalities - in their practice. There are dozens of therapy types, ranging from experimental to well-established, and while that may seem overwhelming, you and your therapist would decide which approach is best for you. 

One category of therapy types is known as Evidence-Based Therapy (EBT), also known as Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), which encompasses any type of therapy that is scientifically demonstrated to be effective in addressing mental well-being. The American Psychological Association considers EBT to be the preferred approach for the treatment of mental health conditions. 

Why Evidence-Based Therapy? 

At Octave, our therapists design treatment plans that feature EBT to ensure that you receive the most effective care. The practice incorporates clinical expertise with your own values and individual circumstances to create the best plan for your needs. EBT allows therapists to track progress throughout your care journey and ultimately give you the tools to manage your own emotional well-being.

There are a number of reasons why we choose to focus on EBT:

Types of Evidence-Based Therapy 

There are many types of evidence-based therapies, and providers will often combine approaches based on your unique needs and diagnosis. Therapists don’t just choose which modalities they want to use; they receive standardized training on specific therapy modalities and then incorporate those into their practice. There are certain modalities that are recommended for specific diagnoses.

Here are some of the most common types:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT focuses on behaving more consistently with our own values, applying mindfulness skills, and leveraging acceptance skills. These skills ultimately develop psychological flexibility, which allows us to accept our thoughts and emotions and act on long-term values rather than short-term impulses, thoughts, and feelings.

A common treatment for: Addiction, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Substance Abuse

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the most popular and well-studied modalities today, CBT guides us to understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. It aims to question and change negative thought patterns, apply emotional regulation techniques, and develop effective coping strategies. 

A common treatment for: Alcohol and Drug Use Problems, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, and Marital Issues

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT emphasizes four key areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This modality hinges on holding two seemingly opposite perspectives at once, promotes balance, and avoids the all-or-nothing mindset. Fittingly, DBT’s name comes from the philosophical perspective of dialectics: balancing opposites.

A common treatment for: Binge-eating, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bulimia, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Substance Abuse

Exposure Therapy

This modality exposes clients to their fears and decreases avoidance. Therapists will implement exposure therapy in safe, controlled environments equipping clients with coping skills and anxiety management. 

A common treatment for: Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorders, Phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

The MBCT modality leverages the CBT modality and incorporates mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation. MBCT builds on the principles of CBT. 

A common treatment for: Anxiety Disorders and Depression 

Are Other Approaches Not Effective or Harmful?

No, other therapies may be very beneficial, but just haven’t been studied enough in a controlled setting. Other therapies also can be effective when used together with EBT approaches to better support the client. 

The following are examples of practices that are not currently classified as EBT modalities, but can be very therapeutically helpful: Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 

In addition, therapists may recommend non-EBT exercises during therapeutic treatment. Therapeutic exercises are beneficial because they help us express ourselves, connect to our emotions, and remain grounded. 

• Meditation

• Breathing Exercises

• Journaling

• Energy Work

• Acupuncture

• Crisis Counseling

• Tapping/Emotional Freedom Therapy

• Five Senses Exercise

• Mindful Eating

While EBT alone is a key ingredient to effective care, what’s ultimately most important is finding a provider who can use EBT effectively and establish a strong connection with you. A high-quality provider will meet you where you are and design a personalized care plan that incorporates these proven approaches. 

All Octave therapists practice evidence-based therapy. Browse our therapists to find one that meets your unique mental health needs.

References

“Act for the Public | Association for Contextual Behavioral ...” Accessed November 30, 2021 .

“What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. Accessed November 15, 2021.

“Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Essential Guide for Therapists.” Psychotherapy Academy, February 10, 2020.

“Dialectical Behavior Therapy.” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers. Accessed November 15, 2021.

“What Is Exposure Therapy?” American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. Accessed November 15, 2021.