Understanding Counselling and Therapy Theories: From CBT to Jungian Approaches

Wellbeing Therapy Hut Admin
2 days ago
4 min read

In an age of growing mental health awareness, the diversity of therapeutic approaches available to individuals seeking support has never been greater. From short-term, solution-focused models to deep, insight-oriented explorations of the psyche, therapy is far from a one-size-fits-all process. Theoretical models shape not only how therapists understand distress but also how they engage with clients. Below, we explore some of the major schools of counselling and psychotherapy – including Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Jungian Therapy, and Transactional Analysis – and the kinds of outcomes they aim to support.

1. Person-Centred Therapy (PCT)

Developed by Carl Rogers in the mid-20th century, Person-Centred Therapy is grounded in humanistic psychology. It assumes that every individual has an innate capacity for self-healing and growth, given the right conditions. These ‘core conditions’ are empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (genuineness) from the therapist.

Outcomes: PCT does not aim to “fix” the client but instead to create a non-judgemental environment in which clients feel deeply understood and accepted. Over time, this can lead to greater self-awareness, reduced self-criticism, improved relationships, and a more authentic way of living. It is especially beneficial for individuals struggling with self-esteem, identity, or emotional regulation.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most empirically supported models and is widely used in the NHS and other settings. Developed by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, it focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs, replacing them with more balanced and constructive ways of thinking.

Outcomes: CBT is goal-oriented and time-limited, making it effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, and OCD. Clients typically emerge with a toolkit of strategies to manage distress, including thought records, behavioural experiments, and exposure techniques. Its structured nature makes it particularly suitable for those seeking practical coping mechanisms.

3. Psychodynamic Therapy

Emerging from the work of Freud and his successors, psychodynamic therapy seeks to uncover unconscious patterns rooted in early life experiences. It places emphasis on internal conflict, defence mechanisms, and the therapeutic relationship itself as a mirror for past relational dynamics.

Outcomes: This approach can foster deep emotional insight, allowing clients to understand the origins of long-standing patterns such as chronic shame, self-sabotage, or difficult relationships. While slower-paced than CBT, its long-term gains often include improved emotional resilience, self-understanding, and healthier relational behaviours.

4. Attachment-Based Therapy

Built on the foundational work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, attachment-based therapy examines how early caregiver relationships influence adult functioning. Insecure attachment styles (e.g., avoidant, anxious, disorganised) can manifest in difficulty trusting others, emotional dysregulation, or fear of abandonment.

Outcomes: Attachment-informed therapy seeks to help clients develop a more secure internal working model through consistent, attuned therapeutic relationships. This can lead to improved intimacy, reduced anxiety, and greater emotional security. It is often used in trauma-informed work and with clients experiencing relational difficulties.

5. Jungian Therapy

Rooted in the analytical psychology of Carl Jung, this approach views psychological distress through the lens of individuation – the process of becoming one’s true self. Jungian therapy delves into symbols, dreams, archetypes, and the collective unconscious to facilitate inner integration.

Outcomes: Though more esoteric than other approaches, Jungian therapy can be profoundly transformative for those seeking meaning and personal growth. It often appeals to clients facing existential questions, life transitions, or creative blocks. Outcomes include greater self-integration, spiritual development, and a richer sense of personal mythology.

6. Transactional Analysis (TA)

Developed by Eric Berne, TA analyses social interactions through three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. It is a theory of personality and communication that examines ‘transactions’ – how people relate to each other – and the ‘scripts’ they unconsciously follow.

Outcomes: TA is particularly effective in improving communication, resolving conflict, and challenging unhelpful life patterns. Clients learn to identify when they are acting from outdated roles or beliefs and are supported in choosing more adaptive responses. It’s widely used in both individual and group therapy, including in organisational and coaching contexts.

Choosing the Right Approach

The effectiveness of therapy depends not only on the model but also on the therapeutic alliance – the relational bond between client and therapist. Some individuals respond well to the structure and clarity of CBT; others find long-term psychodynamic or humanistic therapy more healing. Increasingly, therapists integrate multiple models (an “integrative” approach), tailoring their work to the unique needs of each client.

Ultimately, therapy is not about which theory is “best,” but which resonates most deeply with the individual – intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether seeking symptom relief, relational growth, or existential understanding, there is a therapeutic pathway that can help navigate life’s complexity with greater clarity and compassion.

Further Reading:

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): https://www.bacp.co.uk
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Therapy Guidelines: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk