CBT or Counselling Counselling: Choosing Therapy in Kent

Deciding to start therapy can bring up questions about the different approaches available. When looking for private therapy in Kent, you may wonder whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling would better suit your needs.

Both offer space to discuss difficulties and work towards change. CBT usually takes a structured approach, helping you understand patterns in your thinking and behaviour and develop practical ways to respond. Counselling includes several approaches and can offer a more open space to explore your feelings, experiences and relationships.

Understanding the differences between CBT and counselling can help you consider what you would find useful. You do not need to have everything worked out before booking, as your therapist can discuss their approach with you.

How cognitive behavioural therapy works

Cognitive behavioural therapy, often shortened to CBT, explores the connections between your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviour. It helps you recognise patterns that may be keeping difficulties going and find ways to change them.

You and your therapist agree on what you would like to address. Sessions may involve looking at a recent situation, exploring how you interpreted it and considering how your response affected you. Together, you can develop and test alternative ways of responding.

CBT often includes agreed activities between sessions, giving you opportunities to practise what you are learning in everyday life. It can help with difficulties such as anxiety, panic, phobias and low mood. Although the emphasis is often on current difficulties, past experiences can also be explored where they help explain present patterns.

How counselling works

Counselling provides a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore what is troubling you. Depending on the therapist's approach and your needs, sessions may focus on current events, past experiences, relationships or feelings you are finding difficult to understand.

Some counsellors work in a person-centred way, where you largely guide the conversation. Others draw on several therapeutic approaches, combining emotional exploration with practical strategies. Your therapist's profile should explain how they work.

Counselling can help you make sense of bereavement, relationship difficulties, life changes or a general feeling that something is not right. You do not need a diagnosis or a clearly defined problem to seek support.

Which approach might suit you?

If you would like a structured way to understand a particular difficulty and try practical exercises, CBT may appeal to you. If you would prefer more space to explore your emotions, experiences or relationships, counselling may feel like a better starting point.

There is overlap between the approaches. CBT includes discussing emotions and building understanding, while counselling can also involve goals and practical changes. The choice depends on your needs, preferences and the way an individual therapist works.

Reading therapist profiles and watching introductory videos can help you get a sense of their approach. Feeling listened to, respected and able to speak openly is an important part of either option.

How long might therapy take?

Both CBT and counselling can involve a shorter period of support or longer-term work. The number of sessions depends on what you want help with, your circumstances and how the work develops.

You can discuss your hopes with your therapist and review progress together. You do not need to commit to a fixed number of appointments before you begin.

Booking your therapy sessions

At CBT & Counselling Kent, we offer CBT and counselling, with face-to-face appointments across Kent and online video sessions. Please check individual therapist profiles to see which approaches and appointment formats they offer.

Each appointment costs £68 for a full 60-minute session. We work on a session-by-session basis, with no long-term commitment required.

You can read our therapist profiles, watch their introductory videos and check their current availability. When you are ready, you can choose your therapist and book your first session directly online.

Sian Jones, Founder of CBT & Counselling Kent and professional counsellor.