Psychological therapies generally fall into three categories. Humanistic therapies focus on looking at the 'here and now', behavioural therapies focus on cognitions and behaviours, and psychodynamic therapies focus on the unconscious relationship patterns that evolved from childhood. The Main Therapeutic Approaches we follow at Kent Counsellors are:

Humanistic Therapy

This approach encourages people to think about their feelings and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions. The emphasis is on self-development and achieving one’s potential. A ‘client-centred’ or ‘non- directive’ approach is often used and the therapy can be described as ‘holistic’ or looking at the person as a whole.

Person/Client-Centred Therapy

This therapy is based on the idea that a client enters into a relationship with a counsellor where the client is allowed to freely express any emotions and feelings. This enables the client to come to terms with the negative feelings that may have caused emotional problems, and develop personal skills. The objective is for the client to become able to see themselves as a person with power and freedom to change.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Clients work to analyse their dysfunctional emotions, thoughts and behaviours. CBT uses directive techniques to help clients change their negative thought patterns and beliefs, and develop coping strategies for a more positive outcome. CBT is effective for stress, anxiety, phobias, obsessions, eating disorders, and depression.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy focuses on the whole of the client’s experience, including feelings, thoughts and actions. The client gains self-awareness by analysing behaviour and body language and talking about their feelings. This approach often includes creative arts, acting out s cenarios and dream recall.

Integrative Therapy

In this type of therapy several distinct models of counselling and psychotherapy are used together.