Which type of therapy or talking treatment do you rate most highly for mental wellbeing?

CBT is the most widely offered talking therapy on the NHS, focusing on breaking negative thought patterns and changing behaviour. Many people swear by its structured, practical approach — though others find it a bit too clipboard-and-checklist for their liking.

Rooted in Freudian tradition, psychotherapy explores how early experiences and unconscious patterns shape who you are today. It tends to be long-term and open-ended — more of a journey than a quick fix.

Developed by Carl Rogers, this approach puts the client in the driver's seat, with the therapist offering unconditional positive regard. It appeals to those who want to feel genuinely listened to rather than diagnosed or directed.

Originally developed for PTSD, EMDR uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. It has a growing evidence base and is now available through some NHS trusts, though it still raises eyebrows among the uninitiated.

ACT encourages people to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fight them, and to commit to actions aligned with personal values. It draws on mindfulness principles and is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional CBT.

Whether through Relate or a private therapist, couples therapy addresses communication breakdowns, conflict, and intimacy. Often seen as a last resort, it's increasingly used as a proactive tool — not just when things have gone badly wrong.

Group therapy brings people with shared struggles together under a therapist's guidance, fostering connection and mutual support. It can feel daunting at first, but many find the shared experience more powerful than one-to-one sessions.

Clinical hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help with issues like anxiety, phobias, and even IBS — for which NICE has historically acknowledged its use. Sceptics remain, but its loyal following is hard to dismiss.