Four of the most common types of counseling are cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular type of counseling, as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns to effect permanent changes in behavior. Behavioral therapy uses key behavioral modifications to alter thought patterns and emotional responses. Humanistic therapy takes a different approach to helping people with mental health issues than the other two types of counseling.
Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people with difficulties in their relationships with others by focusing on the patient's ability to create and maintain healthy relationships. Group therapy is another type of counseling that is used to help people with similar mental health conditions, such as substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anger management. Family systems therapy is a type of psychological treatment that helps families resolve any problem that may be affecting the family unit. No matter the type of counselor or the type of counseling, the work that counselors do changes lives, relationships and society for the better every day.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is generally performed only for a limited period of time and can be difficult, but this type of psychological treatment can have a significant positive impact on patients' lives. It is important to keep an open mind when choosing a counseling degree in a traditional setting or an online counseling degree, which offers a variety of options.
