Jamie Cargill, BACP, NCPS

Client-centred therapy puts the person's experience at the heart of the session. The counsellor follows what the person says, mirrors their concerns and helps them make sense of emotions and choices. This approach is helpful for people who want a listening space to better understand themselves and their reactions.

Solution-focused therapy concentrates on practical steps and short-term goals. It looks for strengths and small changes that can lead to noticeable improvement. This method suits people wanting targeted, goal-oriented work on issues such as stress, coping with life changes or communication problems.

Deciding which approach to use is a joint process. The therapist will discuss preferences, goals and what feels most useful, then adjust the style as work progresses. Many people benefit from a mix of listening and problem-solving over several sessions.

Online formats offer flexibility for different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face contact and a fuller dialogue, while phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging suit quick reflections or ongoing support between sessions. These options make it simpler to fit counselling into busy lives and to continue work from different locations.