Which method is the best for counseling?

Some folks believe that certain “type of therapies” are more superior than another. 

Some people think that Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is better. Some think Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is better. Some think something else is better.

If we use the metaphor of martial arts, I liken CBT to Karate, and ACT is probably more like Tai Chi. So saying ACT is better than CBT, is like saying Tai Chi is better than Karate.

The reality is, I think it’s highly dependent on the personality of the practitioner, the personality of the patient, and of course, the context.

So why is that important?

As a Family Doctor, we often have to take an “eclectic approach” rather any one particular approach, as we see such a wide range of personalities and context. 

So we may use whichever one is workable for the patient.

Having said that, the quality of the therapeutic relationship is still much more important than any particular method.