Types of Talking Therapy Explained: CBT, Counselling & Psychotherapy

Martin Middleton
Jan 20
6 min read

Updated: Feb 10

You’ve made the brave decision to seek help. You sit down, open Google, and search for a "therapist in Hinkley" or "help with anxiety near me'. Suddenly, you are hit with a wall of acronyms: CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT. It’s an "alphabet soup" that can feel overwhelming.

One of the most common sources of confusion is the job titles themselves. What is the difference between a Counsellor and a Psychotherapist?

A helpful way to think about it is the old rule of logic:

All Counsellors are technically Psychotherapists, but not all Psychotherapists are Counsellors. Psychotherapy is the umbrella term for the activity of treating mental health through talking. Therefore, anyone practicing talking therapy is doing psychotherapy.

The term Counsellor and Psychotherapist are not protected terms in the UK and can often be used interchangeably. There has been a push by some to clearly define a difference but there has been as much resistance as there has been support and a lot of disagreement. People are very protective of their labels and job titles.

The first use of the term psychotherapy was used by Daniel Hack Tuke (1872) in his work, “Illustrations of the Influence of the Mind upon the Body in Health and Disease.” and was used in reference to hypnosis.

Over time the term then expanded, evolved and was adopted by other talking therapies as they have emerged in the last 150 years. Under the umbrella of Psychotherapy there is now a vast array of different approaches, modalities and 3 letter acronyms. See this guide provided by the NCIP for some of them.

The labels in this case are more likely to be more important to the therapist than you as the client. Once you are in the room, these titles often matter less than the way the therapist works and, most importantly, how you get along with them.

Directive vs. Non-Directive Therapy: What is the Difference?

If you strip away the confusing acronyms—CBT, DBT, PCT, EMDR—most talking therapies can be placed on a simple spectrum based on one question: How much is the therapist leading the way?

This is the distinction between Directive and Non-Directive therapy. Understanding where a therapist sits and your own preference with what you want from a therapist can help you chose the right one.

What is Directive Therapy? (CBT & Hypnotherapy)

In directive therapies, the therapist is active, structured, and often acts as a teacher or coach. They assume the role of an expert who possesses tools and strategies to help you face the challenges you are experiencing.

It is not giving you advice or telling you what to do but getting you to a place when you feel able to “be you” in the face of distress, stress or anxiety. If you present a problem to the therapist they might give you a structured set of questions to answer to explore all the possible solutions, the positives and negatives so you can pick the best option for you. This then might lead to discussing the implications of that decision and strategies to cope while "in" the situation - for instance a relaxation exercise to quell your flight or fight response.

What is Non-Directive Therapy? (Person-Centered Counselling)

On the other end of the spectrum lie the non-directive therapies. These are built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. The therapist isn’t there to tell you what to do; they are there to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can uncover your own answers. Just being able to reflect on your thoughts and feelings - possibly out-loud to another person for the first time (or at least without advice or judgement coming back) can help you become deeply self aware about who and how you are and the ways you might want to change (or not - it could just be acceptance of yourself).

The Middle Ground: Integrative Therapy

It is worth noting that many modern therapists identify as "Integrative." This means they move along the spectrum depending on what you need. They might listen non-directively while you vent about a bad week, but switch to a directive mode to teach you a breathing technique to help you manage your stress.

Therapy as a Relationship Between People

Research into therapy outcomes has consistently shown the same result for decades. The specific technique a therapist uses is often secondary. The single biggest predictor of whether therapy will work for you is the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist.

This is known as the Therapeutic Alliance.

Why the Relationship Wins

You can have the most highly qualified professor of psychology in the world, armed with the most cutting-edge techniques. But if you sit in the chair and feel judged, unsafe, or simply that you "don't click," the therapy is unlikely to be effective.

Conversely, a therapist using a very simple technique who makes you feel deeply heard, safe, and validated can facilitate massive life changes.

What to Look For

Most therapists will offer you a free 25-30 consultation. When you make contact pay attention to your gut feeling rather than just their certificates. Ask yourself:

Do I feel safe? Can I be vulnerable here without fear of judgment?
Do I feel heard? Is this person really listening to me, or are they just waiting to speak?
Do I respect them? Do I trust their competence to hold the weight of what I need to share?

If the answer is "no," it is okay to walk away.

Finding Your Fit

Navigating the world of mental health can feel like learning a new language, but remember: you don’t need to be a linguist to find someone who understands you.

When you are sitting in that chair (or logging onto that Zoom call), pay attention to the dynamic:

The Relationship: Do you feel safe?
The Style: Do you want a "Guide" (Directive) to give you tools, or a "Mirror" (Non-Directive) to help you reflect? Or somewhere in between?

To see how we might work together I have provided a summary on my services page.

Some other important checks to make:

Professional Membership: is the therapist a member of a professional body that has verified their experience and qualifications. They will be listed on a register of members on the bodies website such as this: My Own Listing
Hyperbole: be weary of anyone making exaggerated claims or guarantees about results. A majority of people do see an improvement in their mental health with talking therapy but it is not guaranteed. See this useful breakdown of an NHS study into outcomes for more information: NHS

If you are looking for a therapist in Leicester, Hinckley or Online, many of them will offer a free consultation first.

As part of this consultation don't be afraid to "interview" your potential therapist. Ask them: "Do you work in a directive or non-directive way?" Their answer—and how they make you feel when they give it—will be a great starting point.

Interested in finding out more about my approcah?

Contact me today for a 15 minute to chat to find out more.

I offer online CBT, Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness sessions for individuals throughout the UK. I also offer in-person sessions around the Leicester, Nuneaton and Hinckley areas in the Midlands. I offer early, late and weekend sessions to suit your needs.

To read more about how we might work together see my other posts on Dyslexia Anxiety or Phobias

Get in touch

Sources & Further Reading

For transparency and further research, the following sources were used to compile this guide:

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): Definitions of terms and the interchangeability of "counselling" and "psychotherapy" in modern practice.
Wampold, B. E. (2015): The Great Psychotherapy Debate: The Evidence for What Makes Psychotherapy Work. (Key source for the "Common Factors" theory and the importance of the alliance).
Rogers, C. R. (1951): Client-Centered Therapy. (for Non-Directive/Person-Centered approaches).
Beck, J. S. (2011): Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. (for Directive/CBT approaches).
Lambert, M. J. (1992): Psychotherapy Outcome Research. (
factors contributing to therapy success).

About Martin Middleton

Martin Middleton is a Clinical Therapist and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist based near Leicester and Hinckley. Specializing in anxiety, stress, and confidence, Martin combines the practical tools of CBT with the transformative power of Hypnotherapy to help clients break negative cycles. He provides a calm, judgment-free space where you can learn to manage your mind and move forward with clarity. Martin works with individuals in-person across Leicestershire and online throughout the UK.