Finding the right counsellor can be a daunting task, especially if you’re already grappling with life’s challenges. There are many counselling approaches, styles, and specialisations to consider.
In this article, I aim to demystify the most commonly used counselling approaches in the UK. By understanding the different approaches, you can make an informed decision when seeking counselling.
Let’s explore some of the most commonly used counselling approaches.
What is a counselling approach?
Counsellors employ various approaches in their work with clients.
The counsellor’s chosen approach is influenced by different factors such as training, professional experience, personal style, and area of specialisation. You can describe a counselling approach as the lens through which the therapist views their client.
The approach adopted by your counsellor will shape their interactions with you. For instance, a person-centred therapist typically emphasises their client’s phenomenology, which means focusing on the client’s personal experience of the world. This approach involves a non-directive style, allowing the client to take the lead. We’ll delve deeper into this shortly.
1. Person-centred therapy
In this approach, the counsellor places a strong emphasis on the client’s personal experience. Aiming to facilitate self-discovery and foster personal growth. The counsellor offers empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard towards their clients.
Person-centred counsellors operate on the belief that all individuals have the potential for “self-actualisation”. Which essentially means the capacity for personal growth and reaching their fullest potential. If you’re seeking personal growth and improved relationships, person-centred therapy can be a valuable tool for gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and connecting with others.
The therapist doesn’t position themselves as an expert; instead, they view the client as the expert of their own experiences and life. The counsellor’s role is to facilitate and support the client’s journey toward self-discovery and personal development.
During person-centred therapy, your counsellor will work with you to explore and understand the challenges you’re facing. Their primary objective is to create a safe and supportive environment in which you can freely express yourself, feel heard, and gain insights that lead to personal growth.
This approach acknowledges the client’s inherent capacity for growth and change, making it a valuable choice for those looking to enhance their well-being and relationships.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, known as CBT, is a form of therapy that aims to help you overcome problems by altering your thought and behaviour patterns.
CBT blends cognitive therapy (focused on thoughts) with behavioural therapy (focused on actions) to address various issues and mental health conditions. During CBT, the counsellor zeroes in on your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes and collaborates with you to understand how they influence your feelings and actions.
CBT also offers practical advice, including coping techniques and strategies to combat negative feelings and thought patterns.
Compared to person-centred therapy, CBT is more interactive, and if you work with a CBT counsellor exclusively, you might have some homework assignments. This approach is all about recognising and transforming negative behaviour and thought patterns.
3. Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is perhaps one of the most recognisable counselling approaches, often depicted in movies and television. This approach is rooted in Freudian theory and, like other approaches we’ve discussed, centres on establishing a strong therapist-client relationship.
The counsellor aims to equip their client with psychological tools to navigate intricate emotions, experiences, and situations. Psychodynamic therapy also delves into early life experiences and explores how our unconscious mind can influence our behaviour.
Therapists who work with this approach assist clients in gaining valuable insights into their past experiences, relationships, and inner thoughts to address current issues effectively.
Overall, psychodynamic therapy is a versatile approach that seeks to uncover and address the underlying causes of various psychological and emotional challenges. Some counsellors will use techniques such as dream interpretation, hypnotism, and free association to help clients explore and learn more about themselves.
4. Integrative counselling
Integrative counselling takes into account your individuality. Counsellors who follow this approach, like myself, don’t rely on just one type of therapy to help everyone.
We recognise that we are all unique, living different lives and facing various issues. Integrative counselling combines elements from different therapeutic approaches to assist clients in overcoming and managing a wide range of problems.
As a counsellor, I can customise therapy to meet your specific needs, considering your personal preferences, personality, and circumstances. Integrative counselling doesn’t adhere to a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
This approach allows for a more flexible and progressive form of counselling, incorporating elements from various therapeutic methods to best address your unique situation and challenges.
Other common counselling approaches
There are many counselling approaches used in the UK to address a diverse range of client needs. Some other common counselling approaches include:
- Gestalt Therapy: This approach encourages clients to focus on the present moment and their immediate thoughts and feelings. Often using techniques like role-playing and empty-chair exercises.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT concentrates on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Emphasising clients’ strengths and resources to achieve positive outcomes.
- Existential Therapy: This approach explores existential concerns such as freedom, meaning, isolation, and mortality. Helping clients find purpose and create a sense of meaning in their lives.
- Transactional Analysis (TA): Developed by Eric Berne, TA explores interpersonal relationships and communication patterns. Often using the concept of “ego states” to analyse behaviour.
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Drawing from mindfulness practices, these approaches, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), integrate mindfulness techniques into counselling.
- Narrative Therapy: This approach focuses on the stories people tell about their lives. Helping them reframe and reconstruct narratives to promote positive change.
Note: Counsellors in the UK often use an integrative approach. Combining elements from different therapeutic approaches based on the unique needs and preferences of their clients.
Low Cost Online Counselling
Our low-cost counselling service gives you access to private therapy for only £29. Just follow these two simple steps to access our affordable counselling service.
Step 1: Go to the self referral contact form below.
Step 2: Complete the form to book and secure an initial free consultation.
It’s as simple as that. One of our team will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.
