Even though I only spent 12 months in a formal counselling practice, I have used the skills acquired many times over in different situations. Any helping profession or job usually requires at least a modicum of empathy and listening capacity - counsellors just have more options and experience.

I write this as a follow up to a recent post about the advantages of one therapeutic approach over another, specifically Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. They are a little like cousins, because they can be used together in a more integrated way (I know that purists will baulk at this claim).

Some people love filling in charts and lists to get at the nub of their thinking problems (cognitive distortions) and find more helpful ways of thinking. That makes a lot of sense of me, for I catastrophize and personalize and do quite a lot of mind reading, amongst my many cognitive sins. It is very helpful to go over all the faulty thinking patterns, locate yourself amongst them, and go to work on an ABC chart or two. This is CBT.

On the other hand, ACT asks us to forget the challenge of changing problematic thinking (and the feelings and acting out that go with it) but rather make space for all those troublesome emotions and thoughts. Let them be. Not pay too much attention. The technical term is - not to "fuse" with them. Stepping back and coming to a realisation that you are NOT your thoughts. The core of the practice is mindfulness - awareness of the present moment, of what is happening now. There are many exercises and practises that are set up to help you achieve this kind of outcome.

There is no reason not to use both or any of the other systems that exist, so long as you are not just shopping around hoping for a quick fix.