What is Eclectic Therapy?

Eclectic therapy is a method that combines various theoretical perspectives and techniques. It's a versatile and diverse approach to therapy, enabling the therapist to utilize the best strategies to meet the unique needs of each client. This approach is also known as multi-modal or integrative therapy.

Types of Eclectic Therapy?

A number of specific types of eclectic therapy have also emerged. In each case, these approaches draw from a range of techniques in order to address the unique needs of the individual. Some of these types include:

As the name suggests, this is a short-term form of eclectic therapy that often incorporates aspects of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral treatments that are applied over a limited number of sessions, often to address a specific problem. This approach has been used to treat PTSD by helping people make meaning out of their traumatic experience and develop new coping strategies.
This approach utilizes aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy to help people understand how their thoughts influence their relationships.
This type draws on elements of social-cognitive learning theory and integrates a number of techniques from other therapies. An individual's specific needs are assessed by looking at their behavior, affect, senses, visualizations, cognition, relationships, and physical health.
This approach focuses on understanding the stages and process of making a change. Using this knowledge, people are then able to work on achieving their goals, improving their relationships, and creating positive changes in their lives.

A man and woman are sitting in a therapy session, the woman appears distressed with her hands on her head, while the man looks on with concern.

A woman comforting a man who looks distressed, sitting on a sofa in a bright room with plants and a lamp.

What Eclectic Therapy Can Help With?

Eclectic therapy can be utilized to help people with a wide range of needs. Some conditions and problems it can successfully treat include:

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause fear, dread and other symptoms that are out of proportion to the situation.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition defined by periods (or episodes) of extreme mood disturbances that affect mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition.
Coping and adjustment difficulties refer to the challenges individuals face when adapting to stressful life events or changes
Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and changes in how you think, sleep, eat and act.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event.
Relationship problems can stem from a variety of sources, including poor communication, lack of trust, and unresolved conflicts.
A social issue is a problem that affects a significant number of people within a society, impacting their well-being and potentially leading to public disagreement about its nature, causes, or solutions.
Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or mental strain. Stress is your body's response to anything that requires attention or action.

A man sitting on a couch with his head in his hands, looking stressed or upset.

Eclectic integrative therapy is a flexible approach to therapy that combines different therapeutic techniques and theories to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.