Some approaches are better suited for certain difficulties.
For example, for someone with a very specific air travel phobia, the treatment of choice is systematic desensitization with a behavioral psychologist. My approach to understanding emotional difficulties has been largely informed by the psychodynamic and insight oriented perspectives. These may be situationally related, such as stemming from a severe present-day stressor, or they may represent a recurrence of chronic, unresolved psychological conflict or deficits from our early lives. It is the task of the client and therapist, working conjunctively, to understand what has halted normal development, and create the environment which will be most helpful in restoring the capacity for progressive personality growth. To the extent that these meanings exist out of our conscious awareness, they may exert influences that act on us and influence us outside of our awareness.