Founded by psychiatrist Dr. Anthony Gallo, South County Psychiatry has spent 13 years helping patients across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont understand and manage their mental health. Over that time, we have seen how much good psychotherapy can do. Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, is a structured process in which a trained clinician helps you explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so that you can feel and function better. It is one of the most widely studied treatments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.
Many patients tell us that they feel unsure where to begin. The word "therapy" can describe many different approaches, and it is not always clear how one differs from another. In this article, we explain three of the most common types of psychotherapy, how each one works, and who tends to benefit most. Our goal is to help you feel informed and prepared as you consider which path may be right for you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Changing Unhelpful Patterns
Cognitive behavioral therapy, commonly known as CBT, is built on a simple idea: our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. When we fall into patterns of negative or distorted thinking, those thoughts can shape how we feel and what we do. For example, a person with social anxiety may assume that others are judging them harshly, which leads them to avoid gatherings and feel more isolated. CBT helps you identify these thought patterns, test whether they are accurate, and replace them with more balanced ways of thinking.
CBT is typically short-term and goal-oriented. Sessions often include practical exercises, and your therapist may ask you to complete brief assignments between visits, such as keeping a thought journal or gradually facing a situation you have been avoiding. A closely related approach, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), adds skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. DBT is often helpful for people who experience strong mood swings or have a diagnosis such as borderline personality disorder. Both approaches have strong research support for treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and eating disorders.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Understanding the Roots of Your Experience
Psychodynamic therapy takes a different approach. Rather than focusing mainly on present-day thoughts and behaviors, it looks at how past experiences, relationships, and feelings outside of your conscious awareness may be shaping your life today. The term "psychodynamic" refers to the interplay of these inner forces. In practice, this means your therapist will invite you to speak openly about what is on your mind, and together you will notice recurring themes, such as patterns in how you respond to conflict or closeness.
This type of therapy tends to be less structured than CBT and may continue for a longer period of time. Its purpose is to build deeper self-understanding, which can lead to lasting changes in how you relate to yourself and others. Interpersonal therapy (IPT), a related and more time-limited approach, focuses specifically on current relationships and life transitions, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or a new role at work. We often find that patients who feel stuck in the same painful cycles, despite their best efforts, benefit from the insight these approaches can offer.
Couples, Family, and Group Therapy: Healing Within Relationships
Not every concern is best addressed one-on-one. Couples therapy and family therapy treat the relationship itself as the focus of care. Instead of asking what is wrong with one person, these approaches examine how members of a couple or family communicate, solve problems, and support one another. A therapist may help partners recognize the patterns behind recurring arguments, or help a family adjust after a major change such as a new diagnosis, the aging of a parent, or a child leaving home.
Group therapy brings together several people who share a similar concern, guided by a trained clinician. Hearing from others who understand what you are going through can ease feelings of isolation and offer practical ideas you may not have considered. Group work is also a central part of many intensive outpatient programs. For patients who prefer to attend sessions from home, telehealth has made these forms of therapy more accessible than ever. We offer individual, couples, family, and geriatric sessions through our psychotherapy Rhode Island telehealth services, so that distance and scheduling do not have to stand in the way of care.
Finding the Approach That Is Right for You
Each type of psychotherapy offers something distinct. CBT provides practical tools for changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies build deeper insight into lasting patterns, and couples, family, and group therapies address the relationships that shape our well-being. Many therapists also blend techniques from several approaches to fit the needs of each patient. What matters most is not choosing the "perfect" method on your own, but working with a clinician who listens carefully and helps you find an approach that suits your goals. From the very first session, our priority is to understand what you want addressed, and we would be glad to help you build a treatment plan that is just right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy
How do I know which type of psychotherapy is right for me?
Many people wonder how to choose among the different types of therapy available. The best approach depends on your symptoms, your goals, and your personal preferences, and a clinician can help you sort through these factors during an initial evaluation. You do not need to decide on your own before your first appointment.
How long does psychotherapy usually take?
The length of psychotherapy varies from person to person. Structured approaches such as CBT often last between 12 and 20 sessions, while psychodynamic therapy may continue for several months or longer. Your therapist will review your progress with you regularly and adjust the plan as your needs change.
Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Patients often ask whether meeting with a therapist by video offers the same benefits as meeting in an office. Research has shown that telehealth psychotherapy can be as effective as in-person care for many conditions, including anxiety and depression. Telehealth may also make it easier to attend sessions consistently, which is an important part of successful treatment.
Can psychotherapy be combined with medication?
Some patients are unsure whether therapy and medication can be used together. In many cases, combining psychotherapy with medication management produces better results than either treatment alone, particularly for moderate to severe depression and anxiety. A psychiatrist can help determine whether medication may be a helpful addition to your care.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?
It is natural to feel uncertain about what happens at a first appointment. During your first session, your therapist will ask about your current concerns, your history, and what you hope to gain from treatment. This conversation helps your therapist understand your needs so that the two of you can agree on a plan together.
At South County Psychiatry, we are a behavioral health practice founded by Dr. Anthony Gallo and built on 13 years of caring for patients. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, intensive outpatient programs, and advanced treatments for adults, couples, families, and older adults across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact us. We consider it a privilege to be part of your care.
