Integrative Therapy

Key takeaways

• Integrative therapy is an umbrella term to describe hundreds of specific approaches that combine elements of the three main therapy modalities (psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral).
• Integrative therapists don’t just cherry-pick from the other approaches. They typically work within a structured framework designed to bring principles and techniques together in a coherent way.
• Integrative therapy approaches can offer a flexible way to approach problems, but the huge range of different approaches can be confusing for clients.

Understanding integrative therapy

The history of psychotherapy (or talking therapy) began with Freud in the 1890s, who developed psychoanalytic (later psychodynamic) therapy.^[1] Criticisms and concerns about psychodynamic therapy led to the development of person-centered (or humanistic) therapy.^[2] Over time, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was developed to address what were seen as weaknesses of the other two models.^[3] Each of these main approaches has strengths and weaknesses, and they continue to be refined and improved.

Integrative therapists recognize that all three of these main approaches (also known as modalities) have strengths and can be effective in helping clients overcome issues or achieve their goals. They attempt to find or create an approach that is most effective for clients and incorporates ideas that are traditionally linked to all of the main modalities. As a result, there’s no single definition of what an integrative therapy approach includes. Instead, integrative therapy is an umbrella term incorporating a variety of different specific approaches that all have something in common.

Theoretically, integrative therapy isn’t just cherry-picking parts of other therapeutic approaches. Instead, each one is a single approach. Each approach may use tools from the three core approaches, but it combines those tools in a deliberate structure. Just taking different tools without this kind of structure is eclectic therapy, rather than integrative.

How does integrative therapy work?

Each integrative approach to therapy has a strong theoretical framework, including how that approach views

• The root cause of the client’s problem.
• The role of the therapist.
• How the therapeutic process develops.
• Which tools are most effective.

These approaches are typically based on a combination of traditional theories of therapy, recent research in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, and extensive personal experience working with clients. The techniques used in integrative therapy have usually been shown to be effective in their own right, but can sometimes be used unusually or creatively.

Types of integrative therapy

There are over 400 different approaches to therapy, and most of these are in some way integrative.^[4] Even therapists who offer one of the main modalities may incorporate a few aspects of other approaches. For example, humanistic therapists demonstrated the importance of building a strong, trusting relationship between therapist and client. This idea contradicts early psychoanalytic principles (the precursor to psychodynamic therapy), but has been accepted by modern psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapists.

There are several ways to approach integrative therapy, ranging from incorporating a few specific tools to building a full theoretical paradigm.

Eclectic therapy

Eclectic therapy is not strictly an integrative approach. Therapists who work in this way use whichever tool appears to best meet the needs of their clients at that specific point in time. This is extremely flexible, but lacks structure or a guiding theoretical framework. This can be successful in the hands of a skilled practitioner, but results may be inconsistent.

Assimilative integration

Assimilative integration involves a therapist working primarily within one of the main modalities, but incorporating a few tools from other approaches when necessary. The therapist works within their original framework, providing stability and structure, but has the flexibility to step slightly outside of this framework if they believe it is in the best interests of their client.

Common factors integration

A therapist who adopts a common factors approach to integrative therapy focuses their attention on the principles that are common across most (or all) therapeutic modalities. These include the therapeutic alliance, empathy, and being curious about the client’s experience. They will use additional tools as necessary, but these will not be the focus of their work.

Theoretical integration

Theoretical integration is the most complex type of integrative therapy. A theoretically integrative approach includes a full framework guiding therapists in how to deliver this kind of therapy. Principles are taken from other modalities and combined to create a new comprehensive model. Most theoretically integrative models are created by practitioners with decades of experience who have developed their understanding from working with hundreds of clients.

Theoretically, integrative models of therapy include

• 5 Relationship Model
• Relational Integrative Models
• Emotion-focused therapy
• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Schema therapy

What it can help with

Integrative therapy has an enormous variety and flexibility, meaning that there’s an approach to suit almost every individual and almost every problem. The challenge for clients is trying to find the approach that best meets their needs.

Each integrative approach will be better at dealing with some issues than others. For example, Clarkson’s 5 relationship model encourages therapists to focus on the different types of therapeutic relationships, making it ideal for clients who experience difficulties in their interpersonal relationships.^[5] Emotion-focused therapy prioritizes resolving stuck emotions, which makes it ideal for helping clients experiencing depression.^[6]

There are also individual differences in how clients respond to different approaches. For example, some people struggle to talk about their problems, preferring an approach that allows them to access their feelings through more creative processes. Others prefer a more direct or language-driven approach.

Techniques used in integrative therapy

Integrative therapy approaches typically begin with effective common factors. These are the aspects of therapy that are consistent across different successful approaches, which appear to make the biggest difference to clients.^[4] These include

• Therapeutic alliance (your relationship with your therapist).
• Empathy and positive regard.
• Expectations for positive change (or even just hope).
• Having a new, corrective experience, usually through some kind of exposure. (including verbal) to the source of the problems.

Beyond those common factors, integrative therapists may use a selection of specific techniques from other approaches. Psychodynamic techniques used in integrative therapy might include^[7]

• Identifying defense mechanisms.
• Transference and countertransference.
• Clarifying questions.
• Tolerating silence

Techniques from humanistic therapy that are commonly used in integrative therapy include

• Two-chair (empty chair) technique.
• Creative techniques, such as art or music.
• Unconditional positive regard.
• Connecting emotions to physical experiences.

Cognitive behavioral therapeutic techniques are also common in integrative therapy, including^[3]

• Challenging limiting beliefs.
• Identifying cognitive distortions.
• Behavioral experiments (trying out new ways of behaving to see what happens).
• Cognitive restructuring.

What to expect from a session

What you can expect from a session with an integrative therapist will depend on the type of integration they follow and the specific tools they use. With over 400 different approaches, the only way to be sure what to expect is to ask the therapist before your first session. Here are a few things that are almost always present.

Relationship building

An integrative therapist will work toward establishing trust with you as a client in the early stages of therapy. This will occur over time, but an integrative therapist will work hard throughout the early sessions to demonstrate that they are trustworthy and that you are safe to express yourself in therapy.

Discussion of the problem

One of the benefits of therapy is that it offers a space for you to talk about things you might not feel able to discuss with anyone else. During therapy, you will talk about things that are troubling you, including your thoughts and feelings, your relationships with others, or specific issues that you are trying to solve. This might include discussion of your childhood and early family relationships, or it might be more confined to your current situation.

Role play or skills learning

Some types of integrative therapy include role play or similar tools to help you develop new ways of interacting or dealing with problems. One example is the empty chair technique, where you speak to an empty chair as if it were someone you have unresolved problems with, or even a part of yourself that feels in conflict. These can be powerful tools, but not everyone feels comfortable with them. An integrative therapist may suggest them, but you can decline if they don’t feel appropriate for your needs.

Self-reflection

Therapy usually results in clients learning more about themselves and how they interact with the world. Most therapy sessions will include you thinking about what your behavior or feelings mean to you and where they may have come from. Your therapist might draw your attention to things you’ve mentioned, and encourage you to consider what you’re learning.

Homework

Some integrative therapists may offer you tasks to complete before your next session. Examples of homework tasks include keeping a journal, recording specific patterns of thoughts or feelings, or challenging yourself to try out new ways of responding to others. Any tasks will be agreed upon between you and your therapist, and you should always understand what they are designed to achieve.

Effectiveness and limitations

The main strength of integrative therapy is that it makes use of a wide range of tools that have been proven to be effective, allowing therapists to adapt to clients’ needs. For example, a therapist may use CBT techniques to help a client manage an urgent problem before using more psychodynamic or humanistic techniques to address the root causes.

One of the limitations with integrative therapy approaches is that some will inevitably be more evidence-based and effective than others. This can make it difficult for clients to develop a clear understanding of what is involved in each approach and decide which is best for them.

Finding integrative therapy

The majority of therapists in the US are at least partially integrative, meaning that it’s relatively easy to find someone who works in this way. Most clients find it more difficult to understand the range of integrative therapeutic approaches available and recognize which will be the best fit for their needs.

Things to consider when choosing a therapist

Because there isn’t just one type of integrative therapy, it can be more difficult to know what to expect from a therapist who describes themselves as working in an integrative way. The easiest way to find someone who fits your needs is to create a shortlist of therapists you think might be a good fit for you and have a short conversation with each.

Things to consider when creating your shortlist include

• What are you looking to achieve in therapy? If you have a specific diagnosis, issue, or problem, look for someone with experience in that area.
• Are there groups of people you feel more comfortable with? Some clients are more comfortable working with a therapist who shares their gender or cultural or ethnic background. If this could be important for you, prioritize therapists who meet that need.
• How do you feel about creative therapies? If this is something you definitely do or do not want, look for someone who matches your preferences.
• How do you feel about homework or tasks outside of therapy sessions? If this is something you particularly like or dislike, focus on therapists who talk about those aspects of therapy.

Studies consistently show that the specific approach a therapist uses is less important than the relationship between you in determining whether therapy is successful, so you should always prioritize finding someone you feel safe and comfortable with.^[8] It’s also completely normal to have a couple of sessions with several different therapists before finding one you connect with.

Final thought

Integrative therapy is an umbrella term for hundreds of different therapeutic approaches, which are typically flexible and responsive to clients’ needs. If you’ve had poor experiences with therapy in the past, it could be helpful to try working with an integrative therapist you can relate to and trust.

Author

Natalie Watkins

Natalie has worked closely with trauma victims and survivors of domestic violence to help rebuild a sense of safety and confidence.

Activity History - Last updated: March 19, 2026, Published date: March 19, 2026

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Reviewer

Kaye SmithPhD

Dr. Smith is a behavioral health coach, clinician, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience in psychotherapy, coaching, teaching, and writing.

Activity History - Medically reviewed on March 23, 2026 and last checked on March 19, 2026