Types of Therapy in New Zealand
There are many approaches to therapy — and different ones suit different people and situations. Here’s a plain-English guide to the most common types available from New Zealand practitioners.
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| Approach | About | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) | A structured, evidence-based approach that helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. | anxietydepressionOCDphobias |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | ACT helps you accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values. | anxietydepressionburnoutstress |
| Internal Family Systems (IFS) | IFS explores the different "parts" of yourself to promote inner harmony and healing. | traumaPTSDanxietydepression |
| Couples Therapy | Couples therapy helps partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate relationship challenges together. | communication difficultiesconflictinfidelity recoveryloss of connection |
| Trauma-Informed Therapy | A compassionate approach that recognises the wide impact of trauma and prioritises safety, trust, and choice. | PTSDcomplex traumachildhood abusesexual assault |
| EMDR | EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories. | PTSDcomplex PTSDtraumaphobias |
| Psychodynamic Therapy | Psychodynamic therapy explores how unconscious patterns, past experiences, and relationships shape your current life. | depressionanxietyrelationship patternsidentity questions |
| Person-Centred Therapy | Rogers' person-centred approach offers unconditional positive regard and deep listening as the foundation for change. | self-esteempersonal growthlife transitionsanxiety |
| Grief Counselling | Grief counselling provides compassionate support for those navigating loss, bereavement, and major life changes. | bereavementdeath of a loved onepregnancy lossrelationship breakdown |
| Mindfulness-Based Therapy | Mindfulness-based approaches use present-moment awareness to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. | depression relapse preventionanxietychronic stressburnout |
| Solution-Focused Therapy | Solution-focused therapy concentrates on your strengths and future goals rather than analysing past problems. | specific goalsanxietyrelationshipswork challenges |
| Narrative Therapy | Narrative therapy helps you separate yourself from your problems by exploring and rewriting the stories you tell about yourself. | identity challengesself-criticismtraumadepression |
Not sure which type suits you?
Our quiz asks a few questions about what you’re going through and how you like to work — then suggests the approaches that may suit you best.
Take the therapy type quizfeelsgood is an independent directory. The descriptions above are for general information only and are not clinical advice. Many therapists use more than one approach — the best way to find the right fit is to read practitioner profiles and reach out directly.