Different types of counselling

When people first look for counselling, they often imagine sitting down and talking. But counselling is much more than conversation; behind every session sits professional training, psychological theory, and evidence-based approaches designed to help people cope, process, heal and grow. 

Different counsellors are trained in different modalities (types of counselling). That simply means they work from different therapeutic models. Some focus on thoughts and behaviours, others explore emotions, relationships or past experiences. Many blend approaches to suit the individual. 

You do not need to choose a modality before seeking support, the same as you do not need a clinical diagnosis or a GP referral to access counselling. 

Our counsellors are trained professionals who draw on these evidence-based models to tailor sessions to you. Whether you are looking for practical coping strategies, space to process past experiences, support with relationships, or help managing anxiety or low mood, there is structure behind the support. 

Here is an overview of the main modalities (types of counselling) you might encounter:

Humanistic Approaches 

These therapies focus on your potential for growth and the importance of a safe, accepting relationship.

Person-Centred Therapy 
Developed by Carl Rogers, this approach offers a non-judgemental space where you are heard and understood. The belief is that, given the right conditions, people naturally move toward growth and resilience. 

Gestalt Therapy 
Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the present moment, helping you understand patterns and take responsibility for change. 

Existential Therapy 
Explores meaning, identity, freedom and life transitions. Often helpful during major life questions or uncertainty. 

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) 
Supports people who struggle with shame or self-criticism by building self-compassion and emotional regulation skills.

Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches 

These therapies focus on how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
Developed by Aaron Beck, CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with healthier alternatives. It is practical and structured. 

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) 
Created by Albert Ellis, this approach challenges deeply held beliefs that may be contributing to emotional distress. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 
Encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts while committing to actions aligned with personal values. 

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) 
Combines CBT with emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills, often used for intense emotions. 

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) 
Blends CBT techniques with mindfulness practices to reduce relapse in depression and manage anxiety. 

Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Approaches 

These therapies explore how past experiences influence present patterns. 

Psychodynamic Therapy 
Looks at unconscious patterns, attachment styles and early relationships to understand current difficulties. 

Psychoanalytic Therapy 
Rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud, this approach explores deeper unconscious processes. 

Attachment Based Therapy 
Focuses on how early relationships shape emotional bonds in adulthood. 

Trauma Focused Approaches 

Designed to help process traumatic experiences safely. 

Trauma Focused CBT 
Adapts CBT techniques specifically for trauma recovery. 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) 
Developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories. 

Somatic Approaches 
Focus on how trauma is held in the body and support nervous system regulation. 

Systemic and Relational Approaches

Family Therapy 
Works with family members to improve communication and reduce conflict. 

Couples Counselling 
Supports partners in understanding patterns and strengthening relationships. 

Narrative Therapy 
Encourages people to re-author the story they tell about themselves and their experiences. 

Integrative and Pluralistic Approaches 

Many counsellors do not work from a single model. 

Integrative Counselling combines techniques from different approaches depending on your needs. 

Pluralistic Therapy actively collaborates with you about what methods feel most helpful.