Elma Naxielli Solís Marín

Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions keep each other going. Together you notice the patterns that hold a problem in place and try out new ways of thinking and acting, often with small practical tasks between sessions. It is widely used for anxiety, low mood, stress and sleep problems.

Psychodynamic therapy explores how earlier experiences, and feelings you may not be fully aware of, shape your life today. Patterns that show up in your relationships, and sometimes in the relationship with the therapist, become something to understand together. It is often used for recurring difficulties with mood, relationships and self-esteem.

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.

Solution-focused therapy puts the emphasis on what you want rather than on the problem. It looks for what is already working, even a little, and builds on your strengths and resources. The work is often short-term and practical, with clear, small steps.

Mindfulness-based therapy uses practices that train attention on the present moment, with openness rather than judgement. Noticing thoughts and feelings without being carried away by them can reduce stress and help break cycles of worry or low mood. Programmes such as MBSR and MBCT are well-known examples.