A Guide to Common Therapy Approaches

There are many different therapy approaches, each with its own strengths. Here are the most common ones.

🧠 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Focuses on the link between thoughts, emotions and behaviour, improving mood by changing negative thinking patterns. Clear-structured and shorter-term, good for anxiety and depression.

💞 2. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Focuses on emotion and attachment, helping couples or individuals understand the needs behind emotions and build secure connection. Especially good for relationship issues.

🧘 3. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Combines mindfulness practice with psychotherapy, training you to stay present and accept emotions without being overwhelmed. Very popular in Hong Kong, good for stress relief and preventing depression relapse.

🎮 4. Play Therapy

Uses play as the child's "language", expressing emotions and working through difficulties through play. Widely used in Hong Kong child counselling, especially for children who cannot yet express themselves verbally.

🎨 5. Art / Expressive Arts Therapy

Expresses feelings that words cannot reach through drawing, music, dance and drama. Very common in Hong Kong, good for people who are not comfortable "just talking".

🏖️ 6. Sandplay Therapy

Builds an inner world by placing objects in a sand tray. No words needed — the unconscious emerges naturally. Commonly used in Hong Kong for children and trauma cases.

👁️ 7. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

Processes traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movement), proven highly effective for PTSD.

🤗 8. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Rather than rushing to "eliminate" negative emotions, learn to accept them and act according to your values. A key member of the modern cognitive-behavioural family.

👨‍👩‍👧 9. Family Therapy

Treats not "one person" but the whole family system, believing an individual's problems often reflect family interaction patterns.

🌿 10. Holistic Psychology

Integrates the best of the above, adding the body-mind-spirit-environment perspective, valuing present-moment awareness, group belonging, and the integration of Eastern and Western wisdom.

Every approach has value. The key is finding the method that fits you, and a person who is willing to truly see you.