What counselling approach is right for you?

Exploring Different Modalities to Support Your Mental Health.

You need to ask a counsellor when you contact them what model of counselling do you work with and how will it help you on your counselling journey.

Starting counselling is a courageous step toward better mental health. But with so many therapeutic approaches available, it’s natural to wonder: Which one is right for me?

The truth is, different counselling modalities suit different people. Some focus on practical tools, while others dive deeper into emotions or past experiences. This guide will help you understand popular counselling approaches so you can make an informed, confident choice.

Hope you will find this article useful. One size does not fit all when it comes to counselling  find out what will be the best fit for you

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy explores how your past—especially childhood experiences—might be shaping your present. It helps uncover unconscious patterns that influence your emotions, relationships, and behaviour.

If you’ve ever found yourself repeating the same mistakes or feeling stuck in old emotional habits, psychodynamic therapy might help you understand and change those patterns. It’s especially useful for long-standing emotional difficulties, self-esteem issues, or complex relationship struggles.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, short- to medium-term therapy that focuses on the here and now. It helps you recognise unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT is great if you’re dealing with specific issues like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, phobias or stress. It’s practical and solution-focused, often involving exercises and techniques you can use in everyday life.

Person-Centred Therapy

In person-centred therapy, you lead the way. The therapist creates a warm, non-judgemental space where you can safely explore your thoughts and feelings.

This approach focuses on building your self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness. There’s no advice-giving—just a deep respect for your ability to grow and heal with the right support.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique used to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves recalling distressing memories while undergoing bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and supporting healthier emotional and psychological responses.

Transactional Analysis (TA)

TA offers a clear, practical framework for understanding communication and behaviour. It looks at how we interact with others using different “ego states”—Parent, Adult, and Child.

TA can help you recognise patterns in your relationships, understand how they developed, and learn new ways to communicate. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy structured insight and want to improve their interpersonal skills.

Integrative Counselling

Not sure what approach you need? Integrative counselling offers flexibility. Your therapist draws from different methods—such as psychodynamic, CBT, and person-centred—to create a personalised approach based on your needs.

This is ideal for clients with complex or changing concerns, or those simply looking for a more holistic experience.

Psychosexual Counselling

Psychosexual counselling is a therapeutic modality that focuses on addressing emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual well-being and functioning. It is often used to help individuals or couples navigate issues such as low libido, sexual dysfunction, trauma, or intimacy problems. This approach integrates elements of talk therapy with education and practical strategies, exploring both the psychological and physiological components of sexual health. Psychosexual counselling creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their concerns, improve communication, and develop a healthier, more satisfying sexual relationship.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a counselling approach can feel daunting, but you don’t have to decide alone. Many counsellors are trained in several modalities and will work with you to find what feels right.

The most important factor? Finding a therapist you trust—someone who makes you feel safe, supported, and heard. That’s where healing truly begins. If you don’t feel comfortable with you counsellor change them.

Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or use the contact form on our Contact Page.