Models/Methods

In simplistic terms, there have been FOUR waves of psychology related to counselling:

  1. Psychodynamic / Freudian
  2. Behavioural / Cognitive
  3. Humanistic / Existential
  4. Integrative / Transpersonal

The BACP membership form refers to SEVEN modalities / primary counsellor training methods:

  1. Psychodynamic
  2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  3. Humanistic
  4. Person-centred
  5. Integrative
  6. Gestalt
  7. Transactional Analysis

Some of these overlap. It could be argued, for instance, that ‘Humanistic’ incorporates a Person-centred / Phenomenological / Non-Directive Rogerian approach.

Likewise, ‘Integrative’ utilises the best bits of a number of approaches and certainly incorporates Transactional Analysis, Maslow, Erikson, Karpman, Egan and Carkhuff. It is very much Transpersonal (transcendent) which has elements of humanistic, Jungian and existential psychology.

Other expressions / types of therapy you might come across include:

  • Drama Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Trauma Therapy