Benefits of Integrative Therapy and How It Works

Integrative therapy is a psychology school of thought that accepts multiple talk therapy techniques and practices and uses them in different ways. It is also referred to as integrative psychotherapy or psychotherapy integration.

This approach is considered to be more flexible and inclusive than other approaches that tend to be limited to the rigid boundaries of their theoretical models.

This article will explain the concept of integrative therapy, the conditions it treats, the process, the different types, and more.

What Is Integrative Therapy?

Integrative therapy is a psychological approach that uses multiple talk therapy models depending on the patient's needs.

Psychology has over 400 models or variations on models. Each belongs to a group of approaches. While some mental health professionals work with only one group of approaches, other professionals are more flexible and take an integrative therapeutic approach.

4 Key Approaches of Integrative Therapy

Integrative therapy takes one of four different approaches:

• Theoretical integration: Using one approach that considers and brings together different models
• Technical eclecticism: Carefully choosing techniques from different schools of thought to address a complex case
• Assimilative integration: Using one approach as a primary method and pulling in other pieces from different approaches
• Common factor approach: Using the parts of multiple approaches that are the same between them

Benefits of Integrative Therapy

Integrative therapy is a type of psychotherapy or talk therapy. Like other forms of talk therapy, it can treat many different mental health conditions. It can also treat physical health issues, such as pain associated with cancer. Even when there is no specific diagnosis or health condition, integrative therapy techniques can help to improve relationships, experiences, and quality of life.

Integrative therapy can be beneficial for the following issues:

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship challenges
• Trauma

It can also help with health issues and chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure.

Drawbacks of Integrative Therapy

Because integrative therapists use aspects of different therapy models, it can be challenging for them to become proficient in each of the models they use or even some of them.

There is also concern that integrative therapy may take a few superficial points from each model and fail to achieve the depth of treatment necessary. Some therapy models are also too different from each other to be effectively used for the same case.

How Integrative Therapy Works

The specific process of integrative therapy depends on the mental health provider and how they work, the setting of the care, the situation, and the individual needs of the person receiving support.

For example, integrative therapy may be offered in a hospital setting, medical office, or with video conferencing technology. It may be provided to:

• An individual client or patient one-on-one
• An intimate couple
• A child with parents
• A family as part family therapy
• A group of people in group therapy

Types of Integrative Therapy

Because of the nature of integrative therapy and how it blends with other approaches to therapy, there are many different types. Each of these different types has different features that serve people in different ways depending on their situations and needs.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Combines cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy and focuses on the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how they can impact a person and their life
• Family systems therapy: Combines general systems theory, cybernetics, family development theory, object relations theory, and social learning theory to address family interactions and relationships
• Gestalt therapy: Focuses on self-awareness, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors happening in the present moment, and how these things affect a person's reality
• Psychodynamic therapy: Focuses on identifying the roots of behaviors, including unconscious thoughts, personality, attitude, and emotions

A variety of different techniques may be introduced to serve the needs of the person receiving the therapy. The techniques used may come from these and other psychological approaches. For example, a provider may use techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and introduce mindfulness as well.

How to Find an Integrative Therapist

Mental health professionals practice integrative therapy. This may include psychologists and therapists. Other professionals, such as licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical social workers, may also practice integrative therapy.

Integrative therapy providers may work in hospital systems, private healthcare practices, or specialized facilities. They may also provide services in other environments, such as schools or private organizations.

Summary

Integrative therapy is a psychological approach that considers and uses multiple therapeutic approaches. An integrative therapist uses specific techniques from different approaches, such as using one primary approach and adding small pieces of others. The therapist chooses specific methods depending on their expertise and the needs of the patient or client.

Many health conditions, both physical and mental, can be treated with integrative therapy, including anxiety, depression, grief, pain, sleep, stress, and trauma.

Integrative therapy is provided by mental health professionals such as psychologists and therapists. CBT, family systems therapy, gestalt therapy, and psychodynamic therapy are examples of integrative therapy.