red_mind_systems

a guide to psychotherapy modelsan (almost) comprehensive guide to psychotherapy models

therapeutic approaches with comparative positioning across six dimensional axes

🔧 Six-Axis Comparison System

To capture the diversity of these 22 therapeutic models, we use a six‑axis system that balances interpretability with nuance. Each axis is a continuum (0–4) highlighting core dimensions of therapeutic philosophy or method.

Directive Style

Therapist-led guidance vs. client-led exploration

• Non‑Directive (0): Therapist reflects and supports

• Directive (4): Therapist guides, teaches, challenges

Time Orientation

Emphasis on here‑and‑now experience vs. exploration of past patterns

• Present‑Focused (0): Focus on immediate experience

• Past‑Focused (4): Explore historical patterns

Change Orientation

Embracing current experience vs. modifying thoughts/behaviors

• Acceptance‑Oriented (0): Emphasizes acceptance

• Change‑Oriented (4): Emphasizes changing thoughts/behaviors

Focus of Work

Focus on interpersonal/systemic dynamics vs. internal homeostasis

• Relational/Systemic (0): Strongly relational/systemic

• Intrapersonal (4): Strongly intrapersonal/individual

Structure

Flexible, process‑oriented vs. highly structured, protocol-driven

• Open/Flexible (0): Very flexible, open‑ended

• Manualized/Structured (4): Highly structured, protocol‑driven

Processing Mode

Somatic/experiential engagement vs. cognitive/conceptual processing

• Bottom‑Up/Experiential (0): Starts with body/emotion

• Top‑Down/Cognitive (4): Starts with cognition/thought

Explore detailed analysis:

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Tier 1: Widely Used & Empirically Supported

Mainstream in Clinical Practice

a guide to psychotherapy modelsan (almost) comprehensive guide to psychotherapy models

🔧 Six-Axis Comparison System

Directive Style

Time Orientation

Change Orientation

Focus of Work

Structure

Processing Mode

Tier 1: Widely Used & Empirically Supported

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Motivational Interviewing

Person-Centered Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy