Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment specifically designed for young children, typically aged 2 to 7, who exhibit disruptive behaviors like noncompliance, defiance, aggression, and temper tantrums. It uniquely combines principles from attachment and behavioral theories, focusing on improving the parent-child relationship while equipping parents with specific skills to manage challenging behaviors. Treatment involves two phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI), where parents learn relationship-enhancing skills (PRIDE skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, Enthusiasm) during child-led play, and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), where parents learn to use effective commands and consistent consequences during parent-led activities. A hallmark of PCIT is the use of live coaching, where the therapist observes the parent and child interaction (often through a one-way mirror) and provides immediate feedback and guidance to the parent via an earpiece. This real-time support helps parents master skills quickly and apply them effectively. PCIT is well-supported by extensive research demonstrating significant improvements in child behavior, parenting skills, and reduced parental stress. It is considered a gold-standard treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder and other disruptive behavior issues in early childhood.

Psychoanalytic therapy, originating from the work of Sigmund Freud, is an intensive, insight-oriented approach focused on exploring the unconscious roots of psychological distress and maladaptive patterns. It operates on the principle that unconscious thoughts, feelings, memories, and early life experiences shape current behavior and relationships. The goal is not just symptom relief but fundamental personality change and emotional growth achieved through increased self-awareness. Key techniques include free association (speaking freely without censorship), dream analysis, and the careful examination of transference (unconsciously redirecting feelings from past relationships onto the therapist) and defense mechanisms. The therapist typically maintains neutrality, facilitating the client's exploration through interpretation and clarification. Traditionally involving multiple sessions per week over several years, often with the client reclining on a couch, psychoanalytic therapy provides a space for deep exploration of one's inner world to understand and resolve long-standing conflicts, improve relationships, and enhance overall life satisfaction. While requiring commitment, it offers the potential for profound and lasting personal transformation.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, is an action-oriented form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based on the premise that irrational beliefs, not events themselves, cause emotional distress. REBT utilizes the ABCDE model: an Activating event (A) triggers irrational Beliefs (B) (often rigid demands like "musts" or "shoulds," awfulizing, or low frustration tolerance), leading to unhealthy emotional and behavioral Consequences (C). Therapy focuses on actively Disputing (D) these irrational beliefs using logical, empirical, and pragmatic challenges, leading to an Effective new philosophy (E) with more rational beliefs and healthier emotions. Trained REBT therapists take an active, didactic role, teaching clients how to identify and rigorously challenge their self-defeating thought patterns. Key goals include reducing emotional disturbance and fostering unconditional self-acceptance (USA), unconditional other-acceptance (UOA), and unconditional life-acceptance (ULA). REBT is an evidence-based approach effective for anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, shame, and related problems.

Reality Therapy, developed by William Glasser and based on his Choice Theory, is a present-focused counseling approach centered on personal choice, responsibility, and meeting innate human needs. Choice Theory posits that all behavior is purposeful, aimed at satisfying five basic needs: Survival, Love & Belonging, Power, Freedom, and Fun. Reality Therapy helps clients understand these needs and evaluate how effectively their current behaviors ('Total Behavior' – acting, thinking, feeling, physiology) are meeting them. The process typically follows the WDEP system: exploring Wants (related to needs), examining current Doing (actions/thoughts), facilitating client Self-Evaluation of behavior effectiveness, and creating specific, achievable Plans for change. It avoids focusing on the past, symptoms, or diagnosis, instead emphasizing what clients can control – their actions and thoughts in the present – to improve their lives and relationships. The therapist acts as a supportive guide, fostering a strong connection and helping the client make more responsible and need-satisfying choices. It is widely used in counseling, education, and management settings.