Exploring Different Types of Therapy

When it comes to mental health, therapy can be an incredibly valuable tool to help you navigate life’s challenges, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. However, with so many different types of therapy available, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. In this blog post, I will try to explain some of the most common types of therapy and then explain how we work here at the Be You Wellbeing Hub.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Best For: Anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-known and widely practiced forms of therapy. It focuses on helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to your emotional distress. By changing these thought patterns, CBT aims to improve mood and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

CBT is often short-term, structured, and goal-oriented. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected, and by addressing one, we can create positive changes in the others. This type of therapy is best for people looking to build a toolkit rather than someone wanting to explore the root causes and process experiences.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Best For: Exploring past trauma, uncovering unconscious patterns, and improving self-awareness.

Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that unconscious thoughts and past experiences shape your current behaviours, emotions, and relationships. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to bring these unconscious patterns to light so that you can gain insight into your feelings and behaviours, ultimately leading to emotional healing and growth.

While psychodynamic therapy may take longer than other therapeutic approaches, it can be deeply transformative, helping you uncover the roots of your emotional struggles and make lasting changes in your life.

3. Humanistic Therapy

Best For: Personal growth, self-acceptance, and self-esteem.

Humanistic therapy is based on the idea that vwe are inherently good and have the potential for personal growth and self-actualisation. This therapy emphasises a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive relationship between the therapist and client. It encourages you to explore your true self, increase self-awareness, and find meaning in your life.

The most well-known form of humanistic therapy is Person-Centered Therapy, developed by Carl Rogers. In person-centered therapy, the therapist creates a warm and accepting environment that fosters your ability to makeyour own decisions and take responsibility for your growth.

4. Gestalt Therapy (one of my personal favourites)

Best For: Self-awareness, personal growth, and resolving unresolved emotions.

Gestalt therapy focuses on helping you become aware of your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in order to make sense of your experiences and gain insight into how past unresolved issues may be affecting your current life. The therapy encourages a holistic view of yourself, emphasising the connection between your mind, body, and emotions.

One of the key aspects of Gestalt therapy is its focus on the "here and now." Rather than diving deep into past experiences, Gestalt therapy encourages you to experience and process emotions in the present moment. The therapist may use techniques like role-playing and guided conversations to help you explore unresolved issues and bring awareness to your automatic responses or behaviours.

Gestalt therapy can be especially effective for those struggling with personal relationships, unresolved trauma, or a sense of disconnection from themselves. It’s a highly interactive approach that emphasizes personal responsibility and self-awareness as tools for healing.

5. Transactional Analysis (TA)

Best For: Understanding communication patterns, improving relationships, and personal growth.

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychotherapy model developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s. It focuses on understanding how you interact with others and how these interactions are influenced by different psychological states or "ego states"—Parent, Adult, and Child. TA helps you become aware of these states and understand how they shape your behaviour, emotions, and communication.

In TA, the Parent state represents attitudes and behaviours that were learned from authority figures (like parents or teachers), the Adult state reflects logical and objective thinking, and the Child state relates to emotional reactions, instincts, and behaviours from childhood. By recognising which state you are operating from, you can improve your communication, resolve conflicts, and make healthier decisions.

6. Art Therapy/ Creative Therapy

Best For: Expressing emotions, trauma healing, and self-discovery.

Art therapy uses creative expression (such as painting, drawing, or sculpting) as a means of processing emotions and addressing mental health challenges. Another creative method is Sand Tray work. All these methods allow you to express feelings that may be difficult to verbalise, making it especially helpful for those who have experienced trauma or struggle with verbal communication.

The goal of art therapy is not to produce “perfect” artwork but to use the creative process as a way of exploring emotions, reducing stress, and increasing self-awareness.

Choosing the Right Type of Therapy for You

When it comes to choosing a therapy type, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not be effective for another. The best way to find the right therapy is to explore your unique needs, preferences, and goals.

There are also many other types of talking therapy that I could have included, but these are the main ones you will see advertised and are also the ones you can expect offered at the Be You Wellbeing Hub. Most of our team are Integrative Therapists and this means we have trained in multiple therapies and can combine the methods and tools from the therapies above to tailor therapy to you specifically.

For example, I could be working with a client who is having difficulty in a relationship. I might use Gestalt methods to help discover where they are stuck and what is blocking them. I could then use Transactional Analysis to help them explore how they communicate with their partner and improve their understanding of how they interact. We might also use Psychodynamic to look at their background and experience of relationships in the past to see what past traumas may be influencing them in the present. There may also be a creative element in the session using paints or the sand tray to explore parts of the work. All of this would be done in a Humanistic way, where the sessions have a focus on a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive relationship between the therapist and client. So, multiple therapies can be used to provide the best package for the client.

At the Be You Wellbeing Hub, we have built a team to support all ages in various types of therapy, so that each client can have a tailored experience to match their needs and stage of life. Our team are here to help you achieve your personal goals, so, whether you're looking to reduce anxiety, work through past trauma, or simply grow as an individual, therapy can provide valuable tools for living a healthier and more fulfilling life.