When we talk about a counselling method, or approach, many courses teach trainee counsellors about four or five significant counselling methods. These major approaches are Psychoanalytical (think Freud), Behavioural, ClientPerson-Centred, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic. However, a professor I know at the University of Bristol, Sheila Trahar, once suggested (in the early 2000s, I think) that there were over 400 different approaches to counselling! I suspect that in the intervening years, that figure has multiplied!

I think it is important for clients to know the difference between the different approaches, as it affects the way the counsellor works. Each counselling method has its set of values, beliefs, assumptions and principles. Lest we forget, the devotees of each counselling method think they have the answer and provide the best approach for therapy!

It is easy to follow the guidelines laid down in a script mechanically or to think that our beliefs align with those of a particular approach (think of how many people follow a political party, religion or football team because that was what their parents did, but never really question why). In this case, the risk is that the client will be forced into fitting the counsellor’s script. If the values and approach of the counsellor do not fit with your values and beliefs, progress might be slow; that is not to say you will not progress or that sometimes being challenged is not a good idea.

Another counselling method for men

There is a sixth option which is where my approach comes from, which is an integrated approach (sometimes called eclecticism) which draws upon different aspects of each of the five major groups. For me, this is where developing an integrated system becomes interesting. The counsellor must develop an understanding of their values and beliefs, their philosophical foundations, understand the nature of change, and human nature, while also understanding the impact of systems and structures on individuals.

Over the next few months, I will begin to explain my approach to counselling, the foundations upon which it is built and how it fits with developing an orientation in life towards what I described in my PhD thesis as “Being-Fun“.

If you want to work with me, drop me a line and we can have a chat