Eclectic therapy is an approach that draws from multiple types of mental health treatment. It allows therapists to tailor care to a person’s needs, goals, and preferences rather than relying on one single model.
This form of care isn’t random or unstructured. In ethical practice, eclectic therapy involves intentionally selecting interventions that are supported by evidence and appropriate for the client’s needs.
Most modern therapists practice eclectic therapy. This approach can help with trauma, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
There are many ways to approach mental healthcare. Therapists specialize in different techniques and conditions. But each provider brings unique experiences and perspectives to their work. Some providers might choose to only work with one approach. For example, a provider trained in psychoanalysis may practice strictly within that structure. However, specialized therapy has become much less common. As of 2015, only 15% of therapists [1] were using a single theoretical perspective.
Today, it’s more common for therapists to use an eclectic approach [2]. Eclectic therapy is also known as integrative therapy. It combines various science-backed theories, activities, and therapeutic styles. This flexibility allows a provider to use the therapy methods that work best for each person and situation.
How eclectic therapy works
Some critics have suggested that [3] eclectic therapy is just a combination of random interventions. But that isn't necessarily the case. Eclectic therapists must be trained in multiple approaches. They have to know how and when to introduce them based on each person’s needs.
Different types of therapies are designed to meet unique challenges. So, as you can imagine, there could be a seemingly endless number of combinations. But in ethical practice eclectic therapists rely on research and experience to select interventions. These decisions are based on a person’s diagnosis, demographics, strengths, challenges, and preferences.
One of the greatest benefits of eclectic therapy is its flexibility. Rather than following a single path, eclectic therapists can shift directions if something isn’t working. For example, there may be times when a client’s needs change or when a specialized singular therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), might be more helpful. Eclectic therapists have the freedom and flexibility to meet a client where they’re at in their treatment journey.
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What happens in an eclectic therapy session
In the first few sessions, most eclectic therapists will take time to get to know their clients. The more they understand their history, mental health, goals, and interests, the better they can customize the experience for each person. In eclectic therapy, you might encounter any number of activities, including:
Skill building (in areas like communication, conflict resolution, or behavior modification)
Creative expression
Role playing
Somatic or movement-based interventions
As time passes, like most mental health professionals, eclectic therapists will seek feedback from their clients. They’ll want to know what you find most helpful or if there’s anything you don’t like about your sessions. They may also ask you to weigh in before shifting therapy types or introducing a new approach.
But whether it’s your first eclectic therapy session or your last, you get to decide what to focus on based on what feels most important to you.
When an eclectic approach can help
An eclectic approach can help when a single type of therapy isn’t enough. But it can also be used when a client simply prefers variety and flexibility. Research [3] on eclectic therapy is limited. But it’s been used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder [4] (PTSD), anxiety disorders [5] in children, and more.
Keep in mind that, like any approach, eclectic therapy has some limitations. Eclectic therapy should be avoided if there are imminent safety concerns or when a person’s needs could be best met with structured programming. For example, someone with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may need exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy. Similarly, a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may require dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Getting started with eclectic therapy
Before getting started with eclectic therapy, try to reflect on why this approach appeals to you. Are you interested in certain approaches?
For example, maybe you’re hoping to combine art therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Or perhaps you just want to find a therapist who can introduce variety into your sessions to keep things interesting. This information can be helpful to share with prospective providers.
The next step is to begin searching for providers who might be a good fit for you. Unfortunately, in the context of therapy, the term “eclectic” has a broad meaning. So you may have to narrow your search to providers who practice eclectic therapy and the other methods you’re interested in. You can ask an existing healthcare provider (like a doctor or psychiatrist) for a referral. Or you can browse teletherapy platforms and digital therapist directories.
Once you connect with a prospective provider, feel free to ask questions. Let them know why you’re drawn to eclectic therapy and ask about their experience with it. You can also ask about which evidence-based methods they combine most frequently, the conditions they’re trained to treat, and anything else you’re curious about. Most providers will welcome these questions and will be happy to discuss how they view and practice eclectic therapy.
A common misconception is that eclectic therapy means ‘anything goes.’ In reality, it’s a thoughtful approach in which a therapist draws from different methods in a structured way to meet a client’s needs.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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In the past, some providers only practiced one type of therapy. But today, most therapists use an eclectic approach. This means that they combine various evidence-based approaches in their work with clients.
Eclectic therapy can help when a single technique isn’t working. But it has some limitations, and it isn’t necessarily right for everyone. This is because some people’s preferences and/or mental health needs may require more structured care.
If you’re interested in eclectic therapy, keep in mind that there are endless combinations of therapy styles. What it means to practice “eclectically” can vary. But at its core, it’s about incorporating different science-backed approaches in a way that helps you meet your goals.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Eclectic psychotherapy and case formulation https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356956625_Eclectic_psychotherapy_and_case_formulation
- Do clients train therapists to become eclectic and use the common factors? A qualitative study listening to experienced psychotherapists https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9327163/
- Psychotherapy and Eclecticism https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.56.5.612-a
- Learning from traumatic experiences with brief eclectic psychotherapy for PTSD https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.21369
- Eclectic approach to anxiety disorders among rural children https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28700038/
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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