Your Personal Eclectic Therapy Approach: Unique Collaborative Care

When looking online to find the right therapist, you might see the phrase ‘eclectic therapy approach’. This isn’t a specific type of therapy. Instead, it indicates that a therapist can incorporate multiple therapy techniques into an individualized care plan. This customizable approach to therapy is a priority goal at Known Well Counseling.  

The Eclectic Therapy Approach at Known Well 

Quality eclectic therapy considers your individual needs first. A clinician will learn about your personal strengths, goals, and issues. Then, they will create a therapeutic plan that is wholly unique to you.  

Similarly, no two therapists using an eclectic approach are the same. The types of therapies that are combined into the final care plan depend heavily on the therapist's background and training. At Known Well Counseling, Caryn often draws from the following therapeutic methods.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is one of the most widely used psychotherapy techniques. It is known for its evidence-based results. Because of its knack for creating change, CBT is often a foundational part of any given eclectic therapy approach. 

The idea behind CBT is in the name. It looks at what you think (cognitive) and how that impacts your actions (behavioral). CBT can help you identify the negative thoughts that keep you ‘stuck’ in unhelpful habits and relationship patterns. Once you notice these thoughts, you can begin to change them into more positive, effective beliefs about yourself and the world.   

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) 

Dialectical thinking is a way of seeing two opposing or contradictory things as both true at the same time.  It involves moving past “either/or” thinking to embrace a “both/and” perspective. For example. How to accept yourself while also working on change. 

If you are prone to thinking “all hope is lost” or struggle to feel in control of your emotions, Dialectical Behavioral therapy might find its way into your personal eclectic therapy approach. DBT is excellent at helping you regulate strong emotions, tolerate distress, and improve your interpersonal relationships. 

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) 

Speaking of interpersonal relationships, your therapist might also choose to incorporate IPT into your therapeutic plan. In fact, IPT is literally called interpersonal therapy. The core function of this therapeutic method is to increase your awareness and coping skills for interpersonal problems. 

What exactly is an interpersonal problem? It is anything that keeps you from connecting with other people, even if you love them deeply.  

The skills you learn in IPT will help improve your day-to-day communication, ability to resolve conflicts, and relationship quality. It’s a very ‘tool-based’ therapy, and many people find it incredibly helpful.  

Faith-based Counseling 

Depending on your religious background, you and your therapist might agree to add faith-based counseling to your eclectic therapy approach. Faith-based counseling is well suited for eclectic treatment, as it combines your individual spiritual beliefs with other traditional therapy approaches.  

Importantly, no therapist will bring religion into your therapy sessions without your request and approval. This is a core boundary at Known Well Counseling. However, if spirituality is an important part of your life, it can be a powerful path in your own healing journey.  

 Internal Family Systems (IFS) 

Think of IFS as family therapy for the self. This therapeutic approach aims to identify the different parts of you and heal the wounded ones. This allows them to develop more helpful roles in the “family” system. It also helps you identify and strengthen your “core self” so you can effectively lead the other parts as a healthy, well-functioning whole. 

Trauma-informed Therapy 

Lastly, when building an eclectic therapy approach, it is important to recognize that not everyone responds the same way to different therapeutic methods. This is especially true for people who have experienced some form of trauma.  

Trauma can show up in our lives in many ways, such as physical abuse, neglect, loss, or other overwhelming events. That’s why traumatic informed therapy recognizes and sensitively addresses a client’s specific past traumatic experiences. Most importantly, it helps the client do so in a safe, supportive, and self-paced environment.  

What to Expect  

Your therapist may not share the details of the methods they’re using. Rest assured that your treatment plan, however, is a collaborative effort that you and your therapist develop together. So, ask questions, voice ideas or concerns and offer honest feedback. This is a safe space that is meant to be all about you and your healing. 

Set Up a Consultation Today!