‘Counselling’ refers to general psychological support, and within it are a huge range of different approaches, often called ‘modes’. What works for one person may not for another, and so finding a counsellor who works in the way you need is imperative. Here, we’re offering up an overview of five key counselling concepts.

The answers could be in your childhood (psychodynamic theory)

Sometimes also called ‘psychoanalysis’, this counselling mode originates from the work of Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud. A big name in psychology, Freud founded psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating clients, which works with the idea that unconscious forces drive our behaviour. When working with a psychodynamic therapist, you may use tools such as ‘free association’, which is essentially just talking about whatever comes up without censoring or correcting, ‘dream analysis’, and ‘transference’ which refers to the redirection of emotions (usually originating in childhood) on to the therapist.

Changing our actions leads to positive behaviour (behavioural therapy)

At the core of this approach is the belief that our behaviour is learned. The thinking comes from the research of Ivan Pavlov (yes, the one with the dog), who focused on the effects of building a learned response by introducing a stimulus. The goal of behavioural therapy is to modify behaviour by changing the external environment, and teaching the client new coping skills – for example, addressing phobias, unhealthy eating habits, or alcohol addiction, by fostering positive change.

We are all innately good people (humanistic approach)

The humanistic approach in psychology in part came about in reaction to what some thought were the limitations of behaviourist and psychodynamic theory. At its core, humanistic psychology is optimistic, and built on the premise that humans are innately good, but that this can be disturbed during their process of growth. This mode takes into account the whole person, their uniqueness, and individuality.

There may not be one single solution (integrative counselling)

Combining the elements of different therapies together, integrative therapists believe that there is no single approach that would work for all clients in all situations. Instead, they propose that each person needs to be considered as a whole, and counselling techniques should be tailored to their particular needs. To do this, they may draw on many of the elements mentioned in the other modalities here.

Negative feelings are a natural part of life (acceptance and commitment therapy)

Developed in the late 1980s in America, and growing in popularity ever since, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) works from the premise that negative thoughts and feelings are natural, and so does it not seek to directly change or stop unwanted problems and experiences, but rather to apply mindfulness strategies to help us accept the struggles we face.

Of course, this is just a handful of counselling approaches, with many of these examples also having multiple subcategories. To get a full picture, and connect with professionals specialising in different areas, visit the Counselling Directory.