Types of Therapy
In addition to the many kinds of counseling degrees and licenses that counselors may have, there are also different kinds of therapy. Most of the current therapies have proven to be effective. There are, however, differences. Here are two of the most popular therapies:

Behavior therapy focuses on unwanted feelings and behaviors. Behavioral therapists usually begin counseling by helping the client list their unwanted behaviors and desired behavior changes. Then they use their expertise to help the client devise a plan to accomplish these goals and to maintain behavioral change after the counseling has terminated. As unwanted behaviors change, unwanted feelings will also begin to change. A Cognitive-Behavioral therapist will also focus on unrealistic thoughts and beliefs to help the client achieve changes. Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral therapies are goal oriented and usually more time limited.

Psychodynamic therapy follows the idea that our personality patterns are formed when we are very young and that many of our motivations come from unconscious thoughts and feelings. Although these patterns tend to be very stable, they can change as we become more aware of the parts of ourselves that have been split of from our conscious self. These therapists use the relationship between themselves and the client to help the client gain insight into how they relate to people in the world - especially ones to whom they are deeply attached. They also use clarification, interpretation, and confrontation to help the client grow beyond unwanted personality traits. Psychodynamic therapies are growth oriented and usually less time limited.

There are many others types of therapy as well, such as Existential, Person-Centered, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Rational-Emotive Therapy and Reality Therapy. Most therapists use a combination of theories and techniques to fit each client's specific needs. This is called an eclectic approach. Don't be afraid to ask a therapist about what theoretical orientation they use and what the basic philosophy behind it is. If a therapist can't talk to you clearly about his or her orientation, this is a bad sign. You may want to check further. If you need more information about a particular type of therapy, there are some good books you can check out from your library. Try Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 4th Ed., by Gerald Corey or Current Psychotherapies, 4th Ed., by Raymond Corsini.