Common Interventions

Understanding Psychological Interventions: A Guide to Effective Therapy Approaches

At AO Psychology, we believe that healing begins with understanding. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or supporting a loved one on their mental health journey, it helps to know the different types of evidence-based interventions available. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all—each psychological approach offers a unique path to emotional insight, behavioral change, and personal growth.

This page serves as a trusted resource to help you navigate the 9 most commonly used psychological interventions in modern mental health care. These approaches are backed by clinical research and widely used by psychologists, counsellors, and therapists around the world—including right here in Singapore.

Click on the list of interventions below to learn more.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve emotional well-being.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and build healthier relationships through practical skills and support.

1. Motivational Interviewing

A collaborative, goal-oriented counselling approach that helps individuals explore and strengthen their motivation for positive, lasting change.

4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

A mindfulness-based therapy that helps you accept difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful action aligned with your values.

5. Mindfulness-Based Interventions

A present-focused, evidence-based therapy that helps you manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm through mindful awareness and acceptance.

6. Exposure Therapy

Exposure Therapy helps you face and overcome fears by gradually and safely confronting anxiety-provoking situations, reducing avoidance and improving daily functioning.

7. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

A trauma-focused therapy using guided eye movements to help process and heal distressing memories, reducing PTSD symptoms and emotional distress.

8. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

A brief, goal-oriented therapy that helps you build on your strengths and focus on practical solutions for lasting positive change.