Types of therapy explained

One of the most researched therapies. Focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour — helping you spot and change unhelpful patterns.

Good for: Anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, PTSD, eating disorders.

Non-judgemental and client-led. Your therapist offers warmth and empathy, creating space for you to explore your feelings and grow at your own pace.

Good for: Low self-esteem, grief, life transitions, general wellbeing.

Draws on multiple approaches and tailors therapy to you. One of the most common styles on Therapist Search — flexible and holistic.

Good for: A wide range of issues; great if you're unsure which approach fits.

Explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape your present. Often longer-term, with a focus on deep self-understanding.

Good for: Recurring relationship patterns, depression, personality difficulties.

Uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge.

Good for: PTSD, trauma, phobias, panic disorder.

Mindfulness-based approach focused on accepting difficult thoughts rather than fighting them, and taking action aligned with your values.

Good for: Anxiety, depression, chronic pain, burnout, OCD.

Combines CBT with mindfulness and acceptance. Structured across four skill modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Good for: Emotional dysregulation, self-harm, BPD, eating disorders.

Includes MBCT and MBSR. Uses meditation and present-moment awareness to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings.

Good for: Recurrent depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, burnout.

Future-focused and goal-directed. Concentrates on what's already working and builds from there — typically brief (4–8 sessions).

Good for: Specific goals, life transitions, confidence, relationship challenges.

Experiential and present-focused. Explores how your thoughts, feelings, and body interconnect — may include creative techniques like role-play.

Good for: Self-awareness, unfinished emotional business, relationship difficulties.

Built on the belief that people have an innate drive toward growth. Emphasises self-determination, authenticity, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship.

Good for: Personal growth, existential questions, identity, meaning and purpose.

Targets deeply ingrained patterns rooted in childhood. Combines CBT with attachment theory and experiential techniques to heal core beliefs.

Good for: Personality difficulties, chronic depression, long-standing relationship patterns.

Examines how past experiences shaped your personality and communication style. Uses Parent, Adult, and Child ego state concepts.

Good for: Relationship patterns, communication, people-pleasing, low self-esteem.

Helps you re-author the stories you've absorbed about yourself. Separates your identity from your problems and uncovers your strengths.

Good for: Identity, self-worth, cultural pressures, trauma, LGBTQ+ identity.

A safe space for partners to improve communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild connection. Can be attended together or individually.

Good for: Communication problems, infidelity, intimacy issues, pre-marital support.

Works with the relationships within a family system rather than one individual. Explores dynamics and helps families find new ways of relating.

Good for: Parent-child conflict, adolescent mental health, divorce, blended families.