--- title: "CBT vs Counselling: What Is the Difference?" description: "Compare CBT and counselling, including how each approach works, what it can help with, typical session length, prices and how to choose." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/cbt-vs-counselling/#article", "headline": "CBT vs Counselling: What's the Difference?", "description": "How CBT and counselling differ, which is best for anxiety, depression or life transitions, session length and cost.", "url": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/cbt-vs-counselling", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/#organization" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/#organization" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/cbt-vs-counselling" }, "about": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Counselling" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "CBT vs Counselling", "item": "https://cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk/cbt-vs-counselling" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is CBT better than counselling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Neither is 'better' — they're different. CBT is highly effective for specific conditions like anxiety, depression, panic and OCD, where NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment. General counselling is often more helpful for bereavement, life changes, or when you want space to explore feelings without a structured framework." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know which one I need?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you have a defined problem you want to change — panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, low mood — CBT is usually the fastest route. If you want to understand yourself better or process something painful, counselling may fit better. Our matching quiz recommends one or the other based on your answers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I combine CBT and counselling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Many of our therapists are trained in both and integrate techniques from each. It's common to start with CBT for a specific issue and continue with more open counselling afterwards." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does CBT take vs counselling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A typical CBT course is 6–12 sessions with a clear end point. Counselling is usually open-ended and continues weekly for as long as you find it helpful." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much do sessions cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Both CBT and counselling with CBT & Counselling Kent are £68 for individual sessions and £80 for couples sessions. There's no commitment to continue." } } ] } ] --- [![CBT & Counselling Kent](/assets/logo-cbt-y7P4OEol.png)](/) - [Home](/) - [What To Expect](/what-to-expect) - We Can Help With - [Young Person Therapy](/problems/teenager-young-person-counselling) - [Our Therapists](/therapists) [Locations](/locations)- [Fees](/fees) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Contact](/contact) [Login](/auth)[Book Now](/find-your-therapist) 4.9 Rated Highly Qualified & Experienced Therapists Sessions Available Mon–Sun 8am–9pm [hello@cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk ](mailto:hello@cbtandcounsellingkent.co.uk)[Call us: 01233 438 217 ](tel:01233438217)[Book Now](/find-your-therapist) # CBT vs Counselling: What's the Difference? Both help — but they work differently. Here's a clear comparison so you can choose the right therapy for what you're going through. [Find the right therapist for you](/find-your-therapist) ## Side-by-side comparison   CBT Counselling Approach Structured, goal-oriented, present-focused Open, exploratory, often past-informed Typical length 6–12 sessions Open-ended, weekly for as long as helpful Best for Anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, PTSD, phobias, low self-esteem Life transitions, bereavement, relationships, self-understanding Homework Yes — thought records, behavioural experiments Rarely Evidence base NICE-recommended for many conditions Well-established for wellbeing and support Session price with us £68 individual · £80 couples £68 individual · £80 couples ## CBT vs counselling: which is better for me? Choose CBT for structured, goal-oriented work on anxiety, depression, OCD or panic; choose counselling for open-ended support with bereavement, relationships, transitions or self-understanding. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is NICE-recommended for anxiety and depression. It focuses on the present, teaches practical techniques, and usually runs for 6–12 sessions with clear goals. Counselling is more exploratory and led by you. It suits bereavement, life changes, low mood and relationship difficulties, and can continue for as long as it feels helpful. Many of our therapists integrate both approaches. ## How much do CBT and counselling cost? Both CBT and counselling are £68 for an individual session and £80 for a couples session. Individual sessions cost £68 and couples sessions cost £80. Each session lasts 60 minutes and is paid for online at the time of booking. There is no contract or commitment to continue. ## When CBT is usually the right choice CBT is a structured, present-focused therapy that helps you change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. It's NICE-recommended for anxiety, depression, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and health anxiety, and it usually delivers noticeable change in a defined number of sessions. ## When general counselling fits better Counselling is open and exploratory. It's often the right fit for bereavement, relationship difficulties, identity, life transitions, or when you simply want a confidential space to think out loud with a trained professional. ## Still not sure? Take our short assessment and we'll recommend either CBT or counselling based on what you're experiencing — or read more about [private CBT therapy in Kent](/private-cbt-therapy). ## CBT vs counselling: frequently asked questions ### Is CBT better than counselling? ### How do I know which one I need? ### Can I combine CBT and counselling? ### How long does CBT take vs counselling? ### How much do sessions cost? ## Get matched in minutes Answer a few questions and we'll match you with a suitable CBT therapist or counsellor in Kent. [Find a Therapist](/find-your-therapist) [![CBT & Counselling Kent](/assets/logo-cbt-y7P4OEol.png)](/) Professional CBT & Counselling services across Kent. 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