Methods and forms of therapy
Psychotherapy — modern, evidence-based methods
Psychotherapy has developed enormously over the last hundred years — from Freud’s couch to targeted, scientifically tested methods. At EGOLAB we work with the best documented of them — and choose the method to fit you, not the other way around.
CBT · ACT · CFT · MBCT · ISTDP · Psychoanalysis
The development of psychotherapy
From the couch to evidence-based methods
Modern psychotherapy began just over a hundred years ago with Freud and psychoanalysis: conversation as treatment, and the idea that unconscious processes and early experiences shape our lives. The psychodynamic tradition lives on today — both as long-term therapy and in intensive, modern forms.
In the mid-1900s came behavioural therapy, and later the cognitive revolution: problems could be understood — and treated — through the thoughts and behavioural patterns that maintain them. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) became the most researched form of therapy of all and set a new standard: treatment must be documentable.
From the 1990s the so-called third wave emerged — methods such as ACT, CFT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Instead of only changing the content of thoughts, they work with our relationship to thoughts and feelings: acceptance, presence, compassion and values. At the same time the psychodynamic tradition was modernised with intensive, emotion-focused methods such as ISTDP.
Today we know from the research that the well-documented methods work roughly equally well — and that what matters most is the therapist’s experience and the right match between method, problem and person. That is why we at EGOLAB work across the methods and put the treatment together around you.
What we offer
The forms of therapy at EGOLAB
Six well-documented methods — from structured cognitive programmes to deep psychodynamic processes.
Second wave · 1960s–
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
The most widespread and best documented form of therapy. You learn to identify and change the patterns of thought and behaviour that maintain the problem — structured, goal-directed and with concrete homework.
Helps with: Anxiety, depression, OCD, stress and more
Third wave · 1990s–
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Instead of fighting difficult thoughts and feelings, you learn to give them room — and spend your energy on what truly matters to you. Acceptance, presence and value-based action.
Helps with: Anxiety, stress, pain, low self-esteem
Third wave · 2000s–
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Developed for people with a harsh inner critic and shame. You train your compassion system so you can meet yourself with the same care you would offer a good friend.
Helps with: Self-criticism, shame, low self-esteem, depression
Third wave · 1990s–
MBCT — Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Combines cognitive therapy with systematic mindfulness training. You learn to notice negative thought spirals as they begin — and to relate to them without getting caught.
Helps with: Recurrent depression, stress, worry
Modern psychodynamic · 1980s–
ISTDP — intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy
An intensive, emotion-focused method: together we examine the unconscious mechanisms and avoidances standing in the way — so you can feel and use your emotions instead of spending energy keeping them down.
Helps with: Complex and entrenched problems, functional disorders
Psychoanalytic tradition · 1890s–
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy (psychoanalysis)
The long, deep process: through a trusting therapeutic relationship, the patterns laid down early in life are examined — with room for lasting change in personality and relationships.
Helps with: Recurring patterns, relational difficulties, personal development
How we choose
The method must fit you — not the other way around
The choice of method is an essential part of the professional work: it frames how we understand the problem and how we create change. What our methods have in common is that they are thoroughly researched — and that they build on a whole-person understanding of you and your situation (the so-called contextual models).
For you this means that the treatment and the homework build on proven tools that work purposefully towards the life you want to live. In practice the psychologist often combines elements from several methods — always adapted to your problem, your pace and your way of working.
If you have a particular interest in a specific method, mention it in the contact form — and we will match you with a psychologist with exactly that experience. See also our team and their specialities.
Evidence-based
What does "evidence-based" actually mean?
That a method is evidence-based means it has been tested in controlled studies and has documented effect — not just good theory or good intentions. We use exclusively modern, evidence-based methods.
At the same time, the research shows that the therapist’s experience and the relationship between you matter at least as much as the choice of method. That is why we make sure both are in place.
Your preference counts
Would you like us to lean on one particular method in your treatment? Say so in your message — and we will make sure you meet a psychologist experienced in exactly that.
Contact
Book a session
Write to us here — briefly describe what you would like help with, and whether you have a method preference. We will match you with the right psychologist and reply within 24 hours. You are also welcome to call +45 4245-4600.