There are different types of counseling because psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all service. Therapy customization enables counseling psychologists to apply different intervention strategies in treating various mental conditions and situations, using the needed tools and resources.
Behavioral Counseling
Behavioral therapy is psychotherapy for people with maladaptive behaviors and behavioral disorders like eating disorders, mood disorders, and substance use abuse disorder. Behavioral psychologists use various techniques to get to the root of the maladaptive behavior, guide patients to identify the cause and triggers, and learn positive habits and thought patterns.
Humanistic Counseling
Human beings are different and can grow psychologically and emotionally. Psychotherapists use humanistic counseling to encourage mindfulness in patients. The therapy helps patients remain in tune with life experiences without losing their well-being.
Cognitive Counseling
Cognitive counseling is psychotherapy where the counselor guides the patient to align their thinking with reality. They empower patients to evaluate their thinking patterns, which inform their emotions, mood, and behavior. Patients learn techniques, habits, and behavior, enabling them to reason, question, acknowledge, and counter maladaptive thinking patterns.
Constructionist Counseling
Constructionist therapy bases its approach on the complexity of life. Counselors using this counseling technique believe that psychological issues do not stem from an event but are an interpretation of that event, which, in turn, influence thoughts, emotions, mood, and behavior. Thus, the therapy enables patients to deconstruct problematic understandings of such events.
Systemic Counseling
Systemic counseling operates on the principle that societal systems influence a person’s thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and behavior. The counselor uses strategies to guide the patient to identify the influence of their social circle in their life and how they can let go of harmful beliefs, mentalities, and perceptions.
Psychodynamic Counseling
Sigmund Freud is the father of psychodynamic therapy. It uses psychoanalysis to go beyond emotions and feelings into the subconscious and unconscious mind. It also explores past experiences to expound on the patient’s current mental state.
