The Different Types of Counseling

Mental disorders are a serious human health issue. People have realized that mental health is just as important as physical health. The first step in promoting better mental health in society is educating people about it.
We at Positive Reset Mental Health Clinic often talk about mental health issues and their causes. However, this article emphasizes educating people about different types of counseling.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a form of “talk therapy” where an individual, group, family, or couple meets a trained medical practitioner to discuss their issues. The practitioner uses different techniques and methods based on the situation to treat their problems.

Types of counseling Based on technique

Here are some major types of counseling;

• Psychoanalytic Counseling
• Humanistic Counseling
• Behavioral Counseling
• Cognitive Counseling
• Constructionist Counseling
• Systemic Counseling

1. Psychoanalytic Counseling

Psychodynamic or psychoanalytic methods originate from the time of psychoanalytic godfather Sigmund Freud, although the method has evolved over the decades. The main idea is that to understand a person’s problems, the counselor must first study and understand that person’s mind. This involves not only feelings and emotions but also delving into things that may be buried in the subconscious and unconscious, such as past (and perhaps forgotten) traumas, and uncovering underlying negative associations and pathways that may influence current issues. Psychodynamic counseling is designed to help patients become aware of various aspects of their thoughts and personality and achieve psychological balance by recognizing their hidden motives.

2. Humanistic Counseling

Humanistic forms of counseling are based on the assumption that each person is unique and has room to grow emotionally and psychologically. Rather than focusing on life events, the humanistic approach examines how patients experience these events and how these experiences make them feel. This type of counseling aims to help patients feel how their reactions to life events affect them.

Humanistic counselors provide patients with the skills to solve and find solutions.

Client-centered counseling

Client-centered counseling is a branch of humanistic counseling based on the belief that we all already have the resources to cope with life’s challenges. In this form of counseling, the client is the expert on their feelings and thoughts, not the counselor. The consultant’s task is to find out and reflect on what the patient says, not to ask or explain anything to the patient.

3. Behavioral Counseling

Behavioral counseling is available for patients struggling with unwanted behaviors such as eating disorders or anxiety disorders. This approach assumes that the environment determines a person’s behavior, and if the patient is in an environment that reinforces or promotes it, the problem will persist.

The study of prior learning is very important in behavioral counseling because it can probably be unlearned if the behavior is learned. Behavioral counselors may use different types of therapy to help patients change their behavior, but the desired outcome is the same.

4. Cognitive Counseling

Cognitive counseling, such as reality therapy and acceptance therapy, focuses on aligning the patient’s thoughts with reality. It is believed that thinking out of sync with reality creates psychological and emotional difficulties.

Therefore, cognitive therapists challenge thought patterns and try to align them with reality so that patients can find accurate solutions to their problems.

5. Constructionist Counseling

Constructivist counseling is based on the belief that knowledge is merely a constructed understanding of events, not the events themselves. It is in this sense-making process that people’s

• Thoughts
• Feelings
• Behaviors – are formed.

Constructivist counselors help clients change these problematic constructs about themselves, their relationships, and the world.

Types of counseling based on meeting environment
Here are some types of counseling based on the environment of counseling;

• Face-to-face
• Group Counseling
• Conference calls
• Online counseling

Face-to-face

Face-to-face counseling sessions take place in counseling rooms where you can meet in person after scheduling an appointment to discuss your concerns. This is one of the most popular and effective types of counseling.

Group Counseling

Professionals offer group therapy sessions that you can attend to resolve issues. Joining such a group will help you find people with similar problems, and you will be able to build a strong support network. But if you want to focus on your problems, it is better to meet in person.

Conference calls

Conference calls are a good alternative to face-to-face consultations and can be arranged from home. Telephone consultations are best for busy people who may find it difficult to get into a consultation room. During this flexible process, you can discuss your concerns with a counselor in your room.

Online counseling

If you do not wish to meet face-to-face with your counselor, and to protect your anonymity, you can email your counselor. In this process, you can fully consider and decide which issues you want to discuss with him. Nowadays, the trend of online counseling is becoming increasingly popular.

Types of counseling based on clients

Here are some types of counseling based on the clients;

• Couples’ counseling
• Family Counseling
• Adolescence counseling
• Children counseling

Couples’ counseling

If anyone has troubles in their relationship, they can try couple counseling. It is a very trending and effective technique that helps clients manage their marital affairs more effectively.

Family Counseling

Every family goes through several phases and issues. Family counselors help families bring their issues to the table. They offer counsel and strive to make every member aware of their responsibility and the consequences of their actions on the family environment.

Adolescence counseling

Teenage children are very hard to deal with for some parents. At the prime of youth, hormones are rushing everywhere, and children are going through a rebellious phase. Adolescence counseling can help people maintain a healthy relationships with their teenage kids.

Conclusion

There are several types of counseling that helps people in need of support and mental treatment. Regardless of your issues and situation, there is a counselor and counseling technique that can help you manage better. Hence, don’t hesitate to contact us and seek treatment.