There’s no need to be alone in your struggle. If you’re stuck in cycles of thinking too much, sunk in depression or anxiety, or struggling with big questions about your life’s purpose. There are a variety of psychological models to help you understand the issues you’re experiencing.

Each approach, be it Buddhist Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Therapy, ACT, CBT, or Internal Family Systems — has its own lens. In this blog you’ll discover what each method can teach you about the common issues and gain strategies to help you heal on your journey.

1. RUMINATION: Why can’t I stop thinking about this? 

Buddhist Psychology: Your mind is holding onto thoughts. Mindfulness can help loosen the grip.

Psychoanalysis: A more underlying hidden issue could be coming up repeatedly.

Psychodynamic: Inner voices of criticality frequently echo early interactions.

ACT: It’s like you’re in a state of fusion with your thoughts. Being aware of that allows you to be in the present.

CBT: This is a good way to identify incorrect assumptions. Refuse to believe them.

IFS: A part that protects you. will try to protect you by the process of thinking.

2. Anxiety: What if something bad happens? 

Buddhist Psychologie: The fear stems from resistance to insecurity. Breathe in presence.

Psychoanalysis: Anxiety and psychoanalysis can be an indication of internal conflict.

Psychodynamic: Old wounds from attachment could be causing anxiety.

ACT: Refraining from anxiety can cause it to increase. Acceptance helps build the strength.

CBT: Anxious thinking magnifies the risk. Reframe it.

IFS: An anxious component requires security but not control.

3. DISEASE: I feel stuck and empty. 

Buddhist Psychology: The Buddha says let go of clinging to the way the world “should be.”

Psychoanalysis: Depression could be a result of anger that is turned inside.

Psychodynamic: It’s typically connected to loss from the past or insufficient requirements.

ACT: Even tiny actions towards values generate momentum.

CBT: Identify the negative beliefs and gradually change them.

IFS: Let the part that is holding the sorrow speak and be heard.

4. CONFLICTS WITH PERSONAL INTERESTS: Why do I keep repeating this pattern? 

Buddhist Psychological Theory: Conflict occurs when the ego is shackled to its an identity.

Psychoanalysis: You could be transferring old memories onto other people.

Psychodynamic: Past relationships affect the way we respond to our current situations.

ACT: Take a step back and make a decision to live according to your beliefs.

CBT: Examine your beliefs about other people and yourself.

IFS: Know which areas of your body are activated by the conflict.

5. EXISTENTIAL CRISIS: What is the point of it all? 

Buddhist Psychology: Embrace the impermanence of everything.

Psychoanalysis: Discover the subconscious fears of death or loss.

The psychodynamic: aspect of identity crises typically necessitate self-reinvention.

ACT: Clarify your beliefs as they will guide you in your journey.

CBT: Pay attention to black-and-white thinking about the purpose.

IFS: let your inner Self lead you in any uncertainty.

There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re complex, multilayered and deeply human. Different approaches offer different methods and healing doesn’t need to follow a specific way. Most important is to start with compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks.

Should any one of the ideas are appealing to you, consider taking them to therapy. Your recovery is entirely yours and you don’t have to go it alone.