Understand therapy.
Evidence-based. In depth.

A comprehensive resource for understanding psychological therapies — what they involve, who they help, and what the evidence says. For everyone, from those considering therapy to practising clinicians.

Two depths. One source of truth.

“How it works”

Plain language. Low jargon. What to expect from therapy, who it helps, and what actually happens in sessions. Designed for anyone considering or receiving therapy.

“The science”

Models, mechanisms, technique detail, and evidence grading. For therapists, trainees, and anyone who wants the full clinical picture — with verifiable sources.

Featured therapies

View all 22 therapies →

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT)

Guideline Supported

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited psychological therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, behaviours, and physical responses interact to maintain emotional distress. It focuses on present-day difficulties and aims to develop practical skills that can be used beyond therapy.

CBT lineageEvidence-basedTime-limited
6–20 sessions13 resourcesLast reviewed January 2026

Cognitive Analytic Therapy(CAT)

Moderate Evidence

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a time-limited, relationally focused integrative psychological therapy that draws on cognitive psychology, psychoanalytic object relations theory, and activity theory (Vygotskian developmental psychology). Developed by Anthony Ryle in the 1980s, CAT helps people understand and change longstanding patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating that cause ongoing distress. It places particular emphasis on understanding how early relational experiences shape current patterns, and uses unique collaborative tools — including reformulation letters and diagrams — to make these patterns visible and open to change.

IntegrativeRelationalTime-limitedTime-limited
16 sessions (standard) or 24 sessions (complex presentations)16 resourcesLast reviewed January 2026

Behavioural Activation(BA)

Guideline Supported

Behavioural Activation is a structured psychological therapy that focuses on increasing engagement in meaningful activities to improve mood. It is grounded in behavioural models of depression and emphasises action before motivation — the principle that waiting to feel better before doing things keeps people stuck.

CBT lineageBehaviouralTime-limited
8–16 sessions8 resourcesLast reviewed January 2026

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT)

Moderate Evidence

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced as a single word) is a behavioural therapy that helps people develop psychological flexibility — the ability to be present with difficult thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them, while moving toward what matters most. Rather than trying to eliminate distressing internal experiences, ACT changes the relationship people have with them.

Contextual behaviouralThird-wave CBTTime-limited
8–16 sessions (variable)7 resourcesLast reviewed January 2026

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy(DBT)

Guideline Supported

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a comprehensive, evidence-based psychological therapy originally developed by Marsha Linehan for people with severe emotional dysregulation and chronic suicidality, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD). It combines behavioural change strategies with acceptance-based approaches drawn from Zen mindfulness practice. DBT is structured as a programme rather than a standalone individual therapy.

CBT lineageThird-wave CBTSpecialistTime-limited
12 months standard programme6 resourcesLast reviewed January 2026

Schema Therapy

Moderate Evidence

Schema Therapy is an integrative psychological therapy developed by Jeffrey Young for people with long-standing emotional and relational difficulties that have not responded to standard CBT. It combines cognitive, behavioural, attachment, and experiential approaches to address deeply ingrained patterns known as Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS).

IntegrativeThird-wave CBT
1–3 years for personality disorders; shorter for focused presentations6 resourcesLast reviewed January 2026

Browse by condition

Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad. It is a persistent low mood that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. It can make everything feel harder and reduce your interest in things you used to enjoy.

6 recommended therapies

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders involve persistent worry, fear, or dread that is out of proportion to the actual situation. They can affect your thoughts, body, and behaviour, making everyday situations feel threatening.

2 recommended therapies

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It involves re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders, feeling on edge, and changes in mood and thinking.

2 recommended therapies

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD involves unwanted, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions.

1 recommended therapies

Personality Difficulties

Personality difficulties involve longstanding patterns in how you relate to yourself and others that cause persistent distress or problems in daily life. They often develop from early relational experiences and affect identity, relationships, and emotional regulation.

5 recommended therapies

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behaviour, body image, and weight/shape concerns. They are not a lifestyle choice — they are complex mental health conditions that can have severe physical consequences.

2 recommended therapies

Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Psychosis involves experiences like hearing voices, holding unusual beliefs, or feeling confused about what is real. Schizophrenia is a specific condition involving psychotic symptoms alongside other difficulties. These are treatable conditions.

2 recommended therapies

Self-Harm

Self-harm means intentionally hurting yourself as a way of dealing with overwhelming emotions, distress, or difficult experiences. It is a sign that someone is struggling and needs support, not a bid for attention.

3 recommended therapies

Behaviour Problems in Children and Young People

Behavioural difficulties in children and young people can include persistent defiance, aggression, rule-breaking, and conflict. These are often responses to difficult circumstances and are treatable with the right support.

3 recommended therapies

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders involve patterns of alcohol or drug use that cause significant problems in your life, health, and relationships. Recovery is possible with the right support.

3 recommended therapies

What we promise

Verified

Every evidence claim links to a verifiable source. Every source is regularly checked.

Reviewed

Clinical and evidence editors review all content on a scheduled cadence.

Honest

No “best therapy” claims. Every page includes limitations and where the therapy may not be enough.