Counselling Techniques
There are many Counselling Techniques. Each technique works differently and can be applied to support specific needs.
Person Centred Counselling
The therapist acts as a helpful guide whilst the client searches
and explores within themselves to find the answers. The person centred approach often raises
many questions and can be a reflective and empowering process.
Person Centred Counselling is good for:
- Helping you get to know yourself
- Uncovering blind spots
- Feeling really heard and understood
- Helping you to become independent and better at problem solving
The Person Centred approach believes that the client knows best and will work with the client
to empower them and develop their potential. This is a gentle approach suitable for most and it
underpins most other counselling approaches because of the use of the core condition,s which
are accepting, caring and totally non judgemental.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This is a very effective and popular therapy, widely used today within the NHS and private
sector. When combined with elements of the Person Centred approach CBT can be a quicker
way to resolve problems. CBT is motivational and challenging and gives great insight into
how problems are often repeated and maintained.
Good for:
- Gaining insight and seeing things from different angles
- Increasing confidence and self esteem
- Working through conditions like PTSD & OCD
- Overcoming rigid thoughts and ingrained beliefs
Transaction Analysis (TA)
Transactional Analysis looks at the different personality types that we have within, namely
the Parent, Adult & Child. These are known as Ego States and are all useful in their own
right, however if we use one ego state more than another, imbalances often occur leading to
problems.
TA also focuses on our interactions with others and shows us how to use the correct Ego State to
help us enjoy good communication and effective relationships. A good example of overusing the
Child Ego State is two people arguing and never resolving anything, a bit like going around in circles .
Moving into the Adult Ego State changes the outcome and helps solve the problem. TA is a very effective
approach and very simple to understood.
Good for:
- Resolving relationship difficulties
- Bullying
- Becoming a stronger person
- Dealing with difficult people
- Understanding game playing and dramas
Psychoanalysis
This approach focuses on the past and helps us look at where our thoughts and behaviours
stem from. Where do our defences come from? Why are some of us so angry or sad? Why are
some so anxious and unable to relax? These are just some of the questions explored here.
This approach can uncover much suppressed material and can be uncomfortable for some,
therefore the work should be monitored and paced to keep you safe.
On the plus side, clearing the deadwood or past, can really lighten the load and help people
move forward. Not all people are ready or suitable for this approach and this will be assessed
at your initial meeting.
Good for:
- Victims of abuse
- Helps move the past to a safe position
- Helps us to see how personality is shaped and developed
- Encourages growth & independence
Solution Focused Therapy
This approach is good for those that want solve current problems and dilemmas. The Solution
Focused approached is, as its name suggests, and is often a quicker way of moving through
therapy. Much of the focus is on the positive aspect such as looking at what is right rather
than what has gone wrong.
Good for:
- Work related issues
- Stress
- Decision making
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy works by focusing on praise and reward whilst avoiding punishment.
For example, an attention seeking toddlers temper tantrums would be ignored and then
praise given when once the tantrums stop. Often many of us unknowingly reinforce undesired
behaviour by way of negative attention which increases the behaviour and leaves us feeling
stressed and disempowered. Followed correctly, this is a very effective method.
Good for:
Family related problems
- Getting the most out of employees
- Works well with children
- Very effective with dog training!