General principles of psychological therapies

Psychological therapies have been significantly developing in terms of theory and evidence over the past 30 years. They can be categorized into four broad families, defined by distinct theories of the person, psychopathology and change. These are cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, person-centred and family/couples therapies. The underpinning theory and therapeutic approach of each form of therapy are briefly described, together with current outcome evidence with key references. Appropriate electronic resources are cited for each of the approaches described, and the wider literature on psychological approaches and current UK NHS planning is briefly covered.