Barkha Bajaj

Relational therapy sees wellbeing as closely tied to our relationships. The relationship with the therapist itself becomes a place to notice patterns and try new ways of connecting. It suits people who want to understand how they relate to others and why some situations keep repeating.

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) sees emotions as important guides that can be understood and changed. It helps you notice, name and work with feelings, including painful ones, so they become less overwhelming. It is also widely used with couples, to understand the emotional cycles between partners and build a closer bond.

Narrative therapy looks at the stories we tell about our lives and ourselves. It separates the person from the problem, and helps you notice the moments and strengths that a problem-filled story leaves out. Together you develop a story that fits better with who you are and want to be.

Trauma-focused therapy is a family of approaches designed for the effects of frightening or overwhelming experiences. Usually the work starts with feeling safer and more stable, and only then turns to the memories themselves, at a pace you can manage. It can help with flashbacks, fear, numbness and other after-effects of trauma.

Person-centred therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, starts from the idea that you are the expert on your own life. The therapist offers warmth, empathy and genuine attention without steering the conversation, so you can explore what matters to you at your own pace. Many people find it helps them feel heard and grow in confidence and self-understanding.

Humanistic therapies see every person as capable of growth and focus on the whole person rather than a diagnosis. They value the relationship between client and therapist, your own experience and your right to make your own choices. Person-centred, gestalt and existential therapy are among the best-known humanistic approaches.