What are the Different Types of Therapy

by Stephanie O’Brien

Finding the right kind of support can be tricky, especially when you're not sure what the

difference is between counselling, therapy, psychology, and everything in between. This blog

breaks it all down in simple language to help you figure out what suits you best.

Do I Need Counselling or Therapy?

Great question and you’re not alone in asking it. The truth is, these terms are often used

interchangeably. Both counselling and therapy give you a safe space to talk, reflect, and make

changes. But they can be slightly different in focus:

● Counselling often looks at a specific issue or life event (like grief, stress, or relationship

troubles) and helps you through it. It tends to be short-term and more focused on the

here and now.

● Therapy (or psychotherapy) can go deeper, looking at long-term patterns, early life

experiences, and how they affect you today. It’s often used when things feel more

complex or longstanding.

The best part? You don’t need to figure it all out alone. Your counsellor or therapist will talk it

through with you and help choose the best approach.

At Kōwhai Therapeutic Services our counsellors are pluralistic, that means they provide both counselling and therapy based approaches. We respond to the client in front of us, rather that signing up to a one size fits all, cookie cooker style of counselling/therapy

Types of Therapy Explained

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental health support. Below are some of the most

common types of therapy you might come across, and how they can help:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Helps you spot unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, then teaches you how to change them.

Great for anxiety, depression, and breaking negative cycles.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Focuses on accepting what you can’t control, while taking steps to live according to your values.

Often includes mindfulness strategies.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Designed for people who experience intense emotions. It teaches skills around mindfulness,

distress tolerance, emotion regulation and communication.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Looks at how your past experiences, especially from childhood, are shaping how you feel and

behave today.

Humanistic Therapy

Focuses on your strengths, values, and self-growth. It’s non-judgemental and supportive,

helping you become your most authentic self.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Encourages present-moment awareness and intentional responses (instead of reactive ones).

Often paired with other approaches like CBT.

Narrative Therapy

Helps you reframe your personal story. Instead of letting your problems define you, you create a

more empowering narrative aligned with your values.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Looks at what’s working in your life and how to do more of it. It’s fast, practical, and focused on

finding solutions, not problems.

Schema Therapy

For long-standing patterns that aren’t serving you. Combines CBT, attachment theory, and

psychodynamic therapy to challenge unhelpful "schemas" formed early in life.

Art and Play Therapies

Creative approaches especially helpful for children or those who find words hard. They help

express thoughts and feelings through drawing, painting or play.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Often used to process trauma. It pairs recalling memories with guided eye movements to reduce

distress and reframe painful events.

What’s the Difference Between a Counsellor, Therapist, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?

It can be confusing, so here’s a quick breakdown:

● Counsellors: Trained to help with life challenges, emotional struggles, and mental

wellbeing. Usually work short to mid-term.

● Therapists: A broader term that includes counsellors, psychotherapists, and clinical

psychologists.

● Psychologists: Trained in the science of behaviour. They can do assessments and

offer therapy (like CBT), but don’t prescribe medication.

● Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can diagnose mental illness and prescribe

medication. They usually don’t provide regular talking therapy.

FAQs about Counselling and Therapy

What type of therapy is best for anxiety or depression?

CBT and ACT are two of the most researched and effective options. But it really depends on

you—sometimes combining approaches works best.

Is short-term counselling enough?

For many people, yes. Especially if the issue is specific or recent. But if you’re facing long-

standing or complex challenges, longer-term therapy might be more helpful.

What’s the difference between online and in-person counselling?

Both are effective. Online can be more flexible and accessible, while in-person can feel more

connected for some. It’s all about what feels comfortable for you.

Can I change my therapy type partway through?

Absolutely. At Kōwhai Therapeutic Services, we often adjust your approach as your needs

evolve. You’re not locked in!

FAQs about Kōwhai Therapeutic Services

What types of therapy do you offer?

We offer a wide range including CBT, ACT, narrative therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and

creative therapies like art or play therapy. Many of our practitioners use an integrative approach

to suit your unique needs.

Do you work with children, teens, and adults?

Yes! We support individuals of all ages. We have trained student counsellors, registered

professionals, and specialists in youth and adult mental health.

How much does a session cost?

We use a sliding scale model. This means your fee is based on your situation, and we’ll discuss

it with you during your first contact.

Can I talk to someone first before I commit?

Absolutely. Reach out to us and we’ll guide you through the processno pressure.

Still Unsure What You Need?

That’s totally normal. At Kōwhai Therapeutic Services, we help you figure out the best type of

support. Whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout, relationship issues, or just feel “off,” we’re

here to help you navigate it in a way that makes sense for you.