Have you ever found yourself looking for a counsellor and wondering what all the terms and types of counselling actually mean? With directories such as Counselling Directory and Psychology Today, I often hear clients say how overwhelming it can feel to be faced with hundreds of counsellors and not know what you are looking for. Terms such as Pluralistic, Integrative, Person Centred, and CBT are often used — but do you know what they mean and how they might help you?
Below are a few key terms you may come across in your search, along with a brief explanation of what you can expect from each:
1. Person Centred
This is sometimes referred to as Client Centred counselling and is a humanistic approach to therapy. It works on the core principle of allowing the client to lead the session. The therapist takes a guiding and supportive role, helping to empower individuals to find their own solutions. A therapist working in this way should demonstrate three core conditions: empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (being open and genuine) when supporting the client.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on the here and now, exploring unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. Through a combination of talking therapy, structure, and practical exercises, CBT aims to reframe unhelpful coping strategies by creating links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. A core principle of CBT is that difficulties are partly influenced by problematic core beliefs — central ideas about yourself and the world — and therapy works towards developing healthier ways of coping with these.
3. Psychodynamic
This method of therapy looks at the past and how our experiences shape the present. Through talking therapy and exploring childhood and past experiences, your therapist can help you identify themes, patterns, and unconscious processes that influence current thoughts and behaviours. With increased awareness and understanding, changes can be made to shift unhelpful thinking patterns and defence mechanisms. This approach is generally less direct than others and focuses more on exploration.
4. Pluralistic
Pluralistic counselling integrates different therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, Person Centred, and Psychodynamic therapy, within a framework that is shared between the therapist and client. It emphasises shared decision-making, a focus on client goals, and consideration of individual differences that may affect the therapeutic process. This approach brings flexibility to sessions and adapts the work based on what the client feels is most helpful.
5. Integrative
Integrative counselling is based on the belief that every client is different and that no single approach works for everyone. Therapists consider individual circumstances and experiences and draw on elements from different therapeutic models, such as CBT, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic approaches, which they feel will be most beneficial. This is similar to a pluralistic approach; however, integrative counselling is usually more therapist-led in choosing the blend of techniques.
6. Trauma Informed
Trauma-informed counselling focuses on the question, “What happened to you?” rather than “What’s wrong with you?”. A trauma-informed counsellor understands the wider impact of trauma and works in a way that prioritises safety, respect, and compassion. The aim is to support healing while reducing the risk of re-traumatisation.
There is no single “right” type of counselling, and what feels helpful can vary from person to person, and even at different points in your life. Understanding these terms can help you feel more informed and confident when choosing a therapist, but it is also important to trust how you feel when reading a profile or having an initial conversation. The relationship you build with your counsellor is often just as important as the approach they use.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the search, that is completely understandable. Taking the time to explore what feels right for you, asking questions, and going at your own pace is part of the process. Therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and safe — and you deserve to find a space that feels right for you.