Approaches in psychology
An approach is the method of work the psychologist states. None is better in general — what changes is how the process happens, and research points to the bond with the professional weighing as much as the method.
TCC
CBT works with the relationship between thought, emotion and behaviour. In practice it usually means goals agreed early on, a stronger focus on the present, and exercises agreed between one session and the next.
Psicanálise
Psychoanalysis investigates unconscious processes through free speech. In practice it usually means a longer process, without goals closed at the start, and sometimes more than one session a week.
Humanista
The humanistic approach starts from the person’s own capacity to find their way. In practice it usually means less structured guidance and less interpretation coming from the professional.
Gestalt
Gestalt therapy centres the present moment and contact. In practice, what happens inside the session — body, tone of voice, what is avoided — becomes material for the work.
ACP
PCA — the person-centred approach, from Carl Rogers — is the best-known strand of the humanistic field in Brazil. The relationship itself is treated as the engine: listening, non-judgemental acceptance and authenticity.
Sistêmica
The systemic approach understands the person within the relationships they belong to — family, couple, work. It applies both in individual work and with more than one person in the room.
Analítica
Analytical psychology, created by Carl Jung, works with the personal and collective unconscious, giving weight to symbols, images and dreams, with individuation as its horizon.
ACT
ACT works on accepting what cannot be controlled and acting in committed ways towards what you value. Rather than chasing the elimination of discomfort, it asks what you do with your life while it exists.
This text is informative and does not replace professional assessment. IAURA publishes profiles: the psychologist is the one who provides and is responsible for the service. The labels on this page are declared by the professional, not verified by IAURA.