#3: What’s the Difference? Explaining CBT, ACT, EFT and Schema

When starting therapy, you may come across acronyms such as CBT, EFT, or ACT. Initially, they can sound confusing, but there are many differences that will help you distinguish between them. 

Here, we’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know.

Hue Therapy's integrative approach

At Hue Therapy, we follow an integrative approach using a mix of therapeutic styles, the reasons for which are many.

While some online sources portray different approaches as being “modern vs. old fashioned”  or characterise them as mutually exclusive, often, their differences only become relevant when an individual has been actively engaged in a therapeutic journey for an extended period of time. 

Decoding the acronyms: CBT, ACT, EFT, and Schema Therapy

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

   Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT for short, is a type of talk-based psychotherapy 

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   rooted in the belief that how you think and act affects how you feel. It aims to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions, primarily depression and anxiety disorders. 

   CBT focuses on encouraging individuals to observe and explore their thoughts, beliefs and attitudes while challenging the cognitive distortions that lie within. 

   It gives individuals the tools to improve emotional self-regulation, allowing them to deal with overwhelming issues by developing coping strategies that break down problems into smaller parts.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is an empirical, evidence-based psychological intervention method that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, along with commitment and behaviour-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. 

   The objective of ACT is not to eliminate difficult feelings – rather, it is to enable individuals to be present with what life brings and to "move toward valued behaviour".  

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy invites people to open up to unpleasant feelings, teaching them not to overreact and not to avoid situations where they can occur.

4. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

   Emotion-focused therapy, known as EFT, is based on the premise that human emotions are connected to human needs. Emotions therefore have an innately adaptive potential that, if activated and worked through, can help people change problematic emotional states and interpersonal relationships. 

   The approach is based on the premise that emotions are key to individual identity and are a guide for personal choice and decision making. The goals of EFT are cultivating a stronger sense of self, learning to regulate the nervous system, and creating new meaning.

5. Schema Therapy

   At Hue, we also undertake Schema Therapy. This is designed to address unmet needs and to help clients break patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that are often hard to shake. The outcome of this work allows individuals to develop coping mechanisms that offer a much healthier alternative.

Choosing the right Therapy for you

At Hue, we advise clients to undertake some of their own research and explore what types of therapy stand out to them. However, it is not necessary to have a prior understanding of these modalities to engage in therapy. All you need is willingness.

At Hue, we advise clients to undertake some of their own research and explore what types of therapy stand out to them. However, it is not necessary to have a prior understanding of these modalities to engage in therapy. All you need is willingness.

Identifying the most effective Therapy for your unique needs

No type of therapy is superior to another, however, some are more effective for different individual needs and symptoms. 

When conducting an assessment with a client for a treatment plan, we consider which specific modes and interventions are most suitable for them. 

For example, ACT works better than CBT for treating grief or bereavement due to loss being irreversible. On the other hand, CBT may be helpful to support a client’s attitudes and beliefs towards the circumstances leading up to their loss. 

If a client presents with a history of loss that is influencing their ability to process their current loss, Schema Therapy may be implemented to support the person to meet the needs of the past experience. 

The integrative approach in Therapy: How Therapists combine techniques

CBT is one of the most commonly used therapy models employed by psychotherapists due to its strong evidence base and history of successful implementation. 

It is often considered as a good starting point because of its ability to help therapists identify a client's problem area, limiting beliefs, or automatic negative thoughts. 

After an initial assessment, a therapist may begin to introduce ACT, EFT or Schema interventions, depending on a client’s needs. 

The importance of a Therapeutic relationship

When starting therapy, finding a psychotherapist with whom you feel safe and can build rapport is crucial. Listen to your body and mind to determine who or what feels right for you. As you become more comfortable, you can explore various therapy types relevant to your needs.

Begin your Therapy journey with Hue Therapy

Considering therapy? Reach out and book your free 20-minute consultation with Hue Therapy today to start your mental health journey with the support of our experienced professionals.

Kerime Abay

https://www.huetherapy.org