Psychotherapy in Dhaka: Which Type Is Right for You? A Complete Guide

Clinical reviewerSamsun NaharAssistant Clinical Psychologist · MSc in Clinical Psychology (University of Dhaka) · BCPS memberLast updated October 2026 · How we review

This guide covers the main types of psychotherapy available in Dhaka and Bangladesh, explaining what each involves and what it is best suited for.

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a broad term for psychological treatments conducted through structured conversation and specific therapeutic techniques. It is different from general counselling (which tends to be more supportive and less structured) and from psychiatry (which involves medical assessment and medication).

Different psychotherapy approaches are based on different theories about why people develop psychological difficulties and what helps them change. What they share is a trained professional, a clear plan and regular sessions, and research shows that many people who take part in psychotherapy feel better and function better in daily life (National Institute of Mental Health).

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What it is: A structured, skills-based therapy focused on the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT identifies unhelpful thought patterns and behaviour patterns that maintain psychological difficulties and works to change them.

How it works: Sessions are structured with clear agendas. Between-session homework (thought diaries, behavioural experiments, exposure exercises) is a central component.

Best for: Depression, anxiety disorders (GAD, social anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias), OCD, health anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, eating disorders, anger management.

Evidence base: The most extensively researched of all psychotherapies. Recommended as first-line treatment for many conditions by health bodies globally, including the UK’s NHS guidance on CBT.

Duration: Typically 12-20 sessions (time-limited).

Learn more about CBT therapy in Bangladesh.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

What it is: ACT teaches a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings – acceptance and psychological flexibility – rather than fighting or suppressing them. It focuses on living in accordance with your values even in the presence of distress.

How it works: Uses mindfulness exercises, metaphors, and values-clarification work alongside more traditional CBT techniques.

Best for: Chronic anxiety, depression, chronic pain, avoidance-based problems, stress.

Evidence base: Strong, particularly for generalised anxiety and depression. Considered part of the “third wave” CBT family.

3. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

What it is: DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but is now used for a wide range of presentations involving intense or rapidly changing emotions. It combines CBT with acceptance strategies and specific skills modules.

Core skills: Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Best for: Borderline personality disorder, intense emotional dysregulation, self-harm, eating disorders, chronic suicidality.

4. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

What it is: EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, tapping, or sounds alternating between left and right) while the client holds a traumatic memory in mind. The process changes how the memory is stored and experienced.

How it works: Does not require detailed verbal discussion of traumatic events. The client holds a memory in mind while following the therapist’s finger movements (or other bilateral stimulation) in brief sets, processing the memory at a neurological level.

Best for: PTSD, single-event trauma, complex trauma.

Evidence base: Recommended by the WHO and most major clinical guidelines for PTSD treatment.

Learn more about trauma therapy in Bangladesh.

5. Psychodynamic Therapy

What it is: Based on psychoanalytic traditions, psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences – particularly early relationships – shape current patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating.

How it works: Less structured than CBT. The therapist and client explore patterns in the client’s relationships, including the relationship between client and therapist itself, as a window into deeper patterns.

Best for: Long-standing relationship patterns, identity difficulties, chronic depression, personality-level concerns, people who want to understand themselves more deeply.

Duration: Typically longer-term than CBT – often 20+ sessions.

6. Person-Centred Therapy

What it is: Developed by Carl Rogers, person-centred therapy emphasises the therapeutic relationship itself as the agent of change. The therapist provides unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness.

How it works: Client-led – you set the agenda, the therapist follows. Creates conditions for personal growth.

Best for: Personal growth, self-esteem, grief, life transitions, people who want a space to explore rather than a structured programme.

7. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

What it is: Integrates CBT techniques with mindfulness meditation practices. Originally developed to prevent relapse in recurrent depression.

Best for: Recurrent depression prevention, anxiety, stress. Particularly powerful as a long-term maintenance approach.

Which Type of Therapy Is Right for You?

Your therapist will recommend the most appropriate approach based on their assessment of your situation. Often a combination of approaches is used.

Find the Right Therapy in Dhaka

Chum Wellness therapists are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, ACT, and person-centred therapy. Browse our team or book a session – we’ll match you with the most appropriate therapist for your needs.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. If you are in crisis, please contact a qualified professional immediately.

Which type of psychotherapy is right for me?

It depends on your concern. CBT suits anxiety and depression; trauma-focused therapy suits PTSD; couples therapy suits relationship issues. A psychologist helps you choose at your first session.

Frequently Asked Questions