What are the different types of Counselling out there?

Ann- Marie -TLC Counselling - Basingstoke

There are so many approaches and different types of counselling you can access, which is down to personal preference however, I understand how confusing this can be for you also. I have listed some of the more traditional and conventional therapeutic approaches for your information. In my experience, it is an essential aspect of having counselling is the therapeutic relationship that you with your counsellor that is the key, without this, the orientation of the therapy is not effective.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Supports changing attitudes and behaviours by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs, and opinions held (a person's cognitive processes). Therapy looks at processes, related to the behaviours, as a way of dealing with emotional problems.
Person-Centred Approach
also known as person-centered or client-centered counselling, is a Humanistic approach, dealing with the ways individuals perceive themselves consciously, rather than how a counsellor can interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas.
Humanistic Approach
Emphasises the importance of being your true self, leading to the most fulfilling life. Humanistic therapy also involves a core belief that people are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves.
Psychodynamic Approach
Psychodynamic approach is one of the major traditions within contemporary psychotherapy. Its aim is to help achieve insight and understanding of the reasons for our problems. To translate these insights into ways to cope with current and future difficulties.
Systemic Approach
Is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to address people not on an individual level, as it had been in the focus of earlier forms of therapy, but as people in relationships, dealing with the interactions between couples, and families, and understand inter-generational patterns of behaviours, and dynamics
Integrative Approach
As the name suggests, it is a combined approach to psychotherapy and counselling that brings together different methods of specific therapies. Integrative therapists take the view that there is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations, but it needs to be adaptive to each person.

What different types of counselling can you have?

Counselling is a type of ‘talking therapy’ that allows you to discuss your problems and feelings in a confidential environment. I offer you a safe space where you can talk, and I will listen to you with empathy and in a non-judgmental way. I can help to support you as you deal with the negative thoughts and feelings that you may be experiencing in your life.

Sometimes, the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to ‘talking therapies’ in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy in its own right.

Short- Term Counselling

Usually lasting 6-12 sessions, it can help you to explore the more immediate difficulties within your life and support you in exploring issues such as low mood or anxiety.

Longer-Term Counselling

Carried out on a continuing basis, the number of sessions will be dependent on the issues that you are experiencing. It is often useful for more prolonged or deeply ingrained difficulties such as trauma or loss. However, longer-term counselling can also be helpful for you to gain a more profound awareness/transformation of long-standing issues, such as those relating to family dynamics, historical events, or personality.

different types of counselling - tlc counselling

What will happen in the counselling session?

We will meet for an initial consultation/assessment, given you the opportunity to meet with me, to ensure you feel I am the right person for you. I will gather information about the issues you are currently facing, along with some personal history and background.

Gathering Information
I will ask you various questions
'What do you see as the main problems you are experiencing'? 'What is worrying you the most?' And; 'What would you like to achieve from the sessions?'
Process
The legal information
 To advise you of confidentiality, data protection, and give you a counselling agreement to sign if you decide to go ahead with counselling. Sessions last 50 minutes, and are mainly weekly, to begin with, then we can move to fortnightly once you feel you need less support. I will set tasks between sessions to support your on-going personal growth and development
Options
Type of counselling or coaching choices
 I offer face-to-face counselling, along with on-line counselling via video call, webcam or, alternatively telephone counselling sessions. This can provide a flexible way of having a counselling or coaching session when you cannot attend in person due to child care issues, or your working hours are not compatible with session times, and if you have a disability. I also offer a 'Walk and Talk' therapeutic approach, not everyone wants to sit in a room, and you may prefer to talk while you w...