Thinking about starting therapy but unsure what kind is best?

With so many different types of therapy available, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, past trauma, or just need support, there’s a therapy approach designed to help. This guide breaks down:

✅ The most common types of therapy

✅ How each approach works

✅ What therapy might be best for your needs

Best for: Anxiety, depression, stress, and unhelpful thought patterns

CBT helps you recognize negative or unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier ways of thinking. It’s practical, structured, and often involves exercises between sessions to help you apply what you’ve learned in real life.

👉 Example: If you tend to think, “I’ll never be good enough,” CBT helps challenge that belief and replace it with something more realistic and constructive.

Best for: Deep-rooted emotional struggles, relationship issues, self-exploration

Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences—often from childhood—shape your emotions, behaviors, and relationships today. It’s about uncovering unconscious patterns that may be holding you back.

👉 Example: If you find yourself repeating unhealthy relationship patterns, psychodynamic therapy can help you understand why and make changes.

Best for: Anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, emotional struggles

ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and emotions rather than trying to change or control them. It teaches mindfulness and helps you take actions that align with your values.

👉 Example: Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, ACT helps you accept it and still move forward in life.

Best for: Short-term challenges, decision-making, motivation boosts

Solution-Focused Therapy is future-focused and practical. Instead of digging into the past, it helps you identify solutions and take small steps toward positive change.

👉 Example: If you’re struggling at work, this approach helps you figure out what’s already working and how to do more of it.

Best for: PTSD, trauma, distressing memories

EMDR is a specialized approach that helps reprocess traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements). It helps reduce the emotional impact of painful past experiences.

👉 Example: If you’ve experienced trauma, EMDR can help you process it in a way that reduces emotional distress.

Best for: Relationship conflicts, communication issues, rebuilding trust

Couples therapy (couples counselling) helps partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and reconnect. It provides tools to break unhealthy cycles and build a stronger, healthier relationship.

👉 Example: If recurring arguments are damaging your relationship, therapy helps both partners communicate more effectively and find solutions.

Best for: Stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, self-awareness

Mindfulness-based approaches (like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, MBSR) help people become more present and aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. It’s often combined with CBT or ACT.

👉 Example: If you struggle with overthinking, mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the present moment.

Best for: Self-esteem, personal growth, general support

Person-centered therapy is a non-judgmental, supportive approach where the therapist provides unconditional positive regard, empathy, and encouragement. It helps you explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.

👉 Example: If you need a safe, supportive space to talk, this approach helps you feel heard and understood.

🔹 If you want to change negative thought patterns: Consider CBT

🔹 If you want to understand deep-rooted issues: Consider Psychodynamic Therapy

🔹 If you’re struggling with trauma: Consider EMDR

🔹 If you want to improve relationships: Consider Couples Therapy

🔹 If you prefer a goal-focused approach: Consider Solution-Focused Therapy

🔹 If you need emotional regulation strategies: Consider Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Your therapist will help tailor therapy to your unique needs. Many therapists (myself included) integrate multiple approaches to provide the best support possible.

At Solid Foundations Counselling, I offer a tailored approach to therapy that meets you where you are. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, emotional healing, or personal growth, we can work together to find the right approach for you.

💬 Book a free introductory chat here to see how I can support you.