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Which Therapy Is Right For You?
Learn the difference between Single-Session Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and therapeutic counselling.
If you're considering therapy, you may be wondering which approach would suit you best.
Different types of therapy work in different ways. Some focus on a single focused conversation, others use structured tools, while some provide space to explore experiences over time.
At Mettle, counselling may draw from Single-Session Therapy, CBT, or therapeutic counselling, depending on what you would like help with.
This page explains how these approaches differ and when each may be helpful.
Choosing the Right Type of Therapy
If you are considering therapy, you might be wondering where to start.
Some people want time to explore their experiences over several sessions. Others prefer a structured approach that focuses on patterns of thinking and behaviour. Some people simply want one focused conversation to help them think clearly about a situation and decide what to do next.
At Mettle, many clients begin with Single-Session Therapy. A single focused conversation can often help clarify what is happening and what may be helpful next. From there, some people feel ready to move forward on their own, while others decide they would benefit from further counselling or structured work such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Starting with one session can therefore be a practical way of deciding what type of support, if any, feels most useful for you.
Types of Therapy Explained
There are many different types of therapy. The most helpful approach depends on what you want from the conversation and how you prefer to work.
Some people want a single focused conversation to think something through clearly. Others prefer structured tools that help change patterns, while some want time to explore experiences more deeply.
The main approaches used at Mettle include:
  • Single-Session Therapy (SST)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Therapeutic counselling
Each approach offers something different. The sections below explain when each one may be helpful.
Which Type of Therapy Might Suit You?
Different types of therapy suit different people at different times in life.
Some people want one focused conversation to think something through clearly.
Others prefer a structured approach that teaches practical tools.
Some want space to explore their experiences more deeply over time.
At Mettle, the way we work draws mainly from Single-Session Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and therapeutic counselling. Each offers something different.
You do not need to decide this alone. We can discuss what you want from the conversation and choose an approach that fits you.
Single-Session Therapy (SST)
Single-Session Therapy may suit you if you want focused help for a specific situation without committing to ongoing therapy.
In this approach, each session is treated as a complete conversation in its own right. We work as if this may be the only meeting, while keeping the door open for further support if you later decide it would be helpful.
Some people attend once and leave with greater clarity about their situation. Others return later if they want to explore something further.
Single-Session Therapy may suit you if:
  • You feel stuck with a specific problem or decision
  • Something has happened recently and you want to think it through
  • You prefer focused conversations rather than long exploration
  • You value independence and autonomy
  • You want to leave with something useful you can apply in your own life
A session often involves:
  • clarifying what has happened
  • understanding how you are responding to it
  • identifying what might help you move forward
The aim is not to fix everything in one meeting. It is to use the conversation purposefully, so you leave with something you can reflect on or apply afterwards.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may suit you if you want a structured and practical approach to understanding patterns that affect how you feel and behave.
CBT looks at how your thoughts, behaviours, emotions, and physical reactions interact. By understanding these patterns, it becomes possible to experiment with different ways of responding.
CBT may suit you if:
  • You like clear structure and direction
  • You want to understand patterns rather than just talk about them
  • You are open to trying practical strategies between sessions
  • You want therapy to feel goal-focused
CBT is commonly used to support difficulties such as:
  • anxiety and worry
  • low mood
  • overthinking
  • avoidance or procrastination
  • anger and emotional reactivity
CBT sessions usually involve identifying patterns, testing new approaches, and reviewing what works for you.
Therapeutic Counselling
Therapeutic counselling may suit you if you want space to explore your experiences at a deeper level rather than focusing on one defined problem.
This approach is influenced by the work of Carl Rogers, who believed people grow when they feel understood, respected, and accepted.
The conversation moves at your pace. The focus is not on techniques or strategies, but on understanding how you experience yourself and your life.
Therapeutic counselling may suit you if:
  • life feels confusing or overwhelming
  • you want to understand yourself more deeply
  • you are dealing with loss, work stress, identity changes, or relationship difficulties
  • you want to feel heard without pressure to change immediately
Change in this approach often happens through self-understanding, and reflection that leads to a sense of emotional clarity.
Choosing What Feels Right for You
There is no single “best” type of therapy. Different approaches suit different people depending on what they want help with.
Some people want:
  • one focused conversation
  • practical tools for changing patterns
  • space to explore their experiences more deeply
If you are unsure which approach might help, we can talk about it together.
The important point is that therapy should work for you, not the other way around.
You remain free to decide:
  • the pace of the work
  • the focus of the conversation
  • whether you attend once or return later
What You May Be Facing
Overwhelming Pressures
Pressure from work, relationships or responsibility can build over time and become difficult to manage alone.
Feeling Stuck
You may notice changes in mood, confidence or relationships and feel unsure how to move forward.
Seeking Direction
Many men seek counselling when they want clearer direction or a private place to talk about what is happening.
Address a range of concerns affecting your emotional wellbeing at Mettle.
Questions About Therapy and Focus Areas

How do I know which therapy I need?

You do not need to decide this on your own. In the first session we discuss what you would like help with and choose an approach that suits the situation.

Is one therapy better than another?

Different approaches suit different people and situations. Some people benefit from focused conversations such as Single-Session Therapy, while others prefer structured methods such as CBT or longer-term counselling. Some people leave a session with immediate clarity or relief. For others, the value of the conversation becomes clearer later after reflecting on it or applying something discussed in their own life. Every therapeutic experience is unique to the individual. At Mettle, men begin with a single focused session to think something through clearly, and then decide afterwards whether further support would be helpful.

What if more than one issue is affecting me?

This is very common. Counselling provides a flexible space where you can explore multiple areas and concerns simultaneously, allowing for holistic support tailored to you.

Do I need to choose a specific service before booking?

Not at all. If you're unsure, we can start with an initial consultation where you can openly discuss your concerns, and we'll explore what feels most relevant together.

Ways to Get in Contact
A 10-15 minute intro call is available to get a sense of Mettle and ask questions. Times are set aside daily, excluding Mondays, between 09:00 and 11:00 for new enquiries.
Free calls are not therapy sessions. Calls are held via Teams (link sent to your email to connect via your preferred device) or we can talk by phone.
Book your free call using our online booking calendar,
or get in touch first via email at info@mettletherapy.co.uk
or message by WhatsApp on 07368 947855.
Messages are usually responded to on the same-day, and same-day calls can be arranged if there's availability.
Professional Standards
Practice adheres to the NCPS Code of Ethical Practice and professional standards
Find Mettle On
Mettle offers professional counselling and therapy for men in Southport and online across the UK. Helping men manage stress, anxiety, relationships and life pressures in a private and non-judgmental setting.
Information
Availability
Bookings and free consultations are available Tuesday through Sunday by arrangement. Free support is made available each Monday.
Professional counselling for men in Southport with private in-person sessions locally and online counselling across the UK.
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