Other common approaches Jenny Southall There are many types of therapy available – discover how some of the main approaches work and choose which one suits your needs best.

In this article

Psychoanalysis

Person-centred

Gestalt

Psychoanalysis is an in-depth, intense therapy with clients sometimes being seen four to five times a week. It is the classic, on-the-couch approach lampooned in Woody Allen’s films of the 70s.

Sigmund Freud originally developed the theory in the 1890s, based on the understanding that we are largely unaware of the mental processes that determine our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Thus free association (where you relate whatever comes into your head during the session), dream interpretation, and tapping into unconscious desires (all part of Freud’s theories) allows people to explore repressed or unconscious anxieties and internal conflicts.

Unlike more ‘conversational’ therapies, the psychoanalytic therapist acts as a ‘sounding board’, and is mainly quiet and reflective (and often out of view).

The therapist does not offer advice, or reassurance, but helps you understand yourself more fully through very careful and respectful listening. This is in order to create a safe atmosphere, where you feel comfortable enough to reveal highly vulnerable aspects of yourself.

The primary goals of this therapy include symptom relief, increased self-awareness and an increased ability to understand your thoughts and emotions

The treatment has proved to be effective for issues including:

• Long-standing depression
• Anxiety
• Sexual difficulties
• Isolation

In stark contrast to psychoanalysis, person-centred therapy focuses on an equal and close personal relationship between therapist and client. Much of the responsibility for treatment planning and direction is placed with the client with the therapist taking a back seat role.

The two primary goals of person-centred therapy are increased self-esteem and greater openness to experience. It’s based on the belief that we are motivated by a drive to move forward and achieve our full potential.

The expected results of person-centred therapy include:

• An increased ability to trust in one's inner feelings
• Overcoming defensive, guilty or insecure feelings
• Developing positive and comfortable relationships with others

Gestalt therapy aims to raise your awareness of how you function in the environment (for example at work, school or with family). The therapy is not focused on the content of what is being discussed, but more on what is happening moment-to-moment in the therapy room.

The therapy can therefore be energetic, spontaneous and unpredictable.

Methods employed are wide-ranging, and can include enactment and role playing, working with dreams, examining non-verbal behaviour, and homework to be carried out between sessions.

Gestalt therapists are very active and directive within the therapy session and therefore, care must be taken that they have characteristics that include sensitivity, timing, inventiveness, empathy, and respect for you

This article was first published in May 2009.