The cognitive-behavioral theory of communication draws on a variety of methods first created by psychologist Aaron T. Beck. The CBT model aims to identify problematic areas in the patient's life and alter them by changing the patient's thoughts and behaviors. For example, the counselor might help the patient identify negative thoughts and restructure them so they are positive and more realistic. This theory of communication often involves a lot of "homework," for which the patient records his or her thoughts in between sessions.
The client-centered or Rogerian theory of communication is derived from Carl Rogers, a prominent psychoanalyst in the mid-to-late 1900s. This theory bases its communication style on three major factors: genuineness (a more genuine therapist creates a better relationship between herself and her patient); acceptance (the therapist loves and respects the patient unconditionally); and understanding (being continually empathic to the patient's problems). This theory of communication requires that the therapist be in touch with his or her own feelings. Because of its interpersonal and analytical nature, this form of communication often results in high transference and counter-transference. It is more personalized than the CBT model.
The psychodynamic theory of communication places emphasis on two major areas: the patient's early childhood and the patient's dreams and unconscious wishes. This style of communication relies on dream analysis, free-associations, word associations (as derived from C.G. Jung) and unconscious repressions. Patients in analysis often attend sessions more than once a week and sometimes for years. In this regard, the counselor's style of communication is to comment only when he/she can offer an interpretation that may help the patient see something differently. The counselor rarely comments to make small talk or to show empathy.
The humanistic school of thought says that each patient is an individual with unique problems such that they cannot be boxed into a specific category or illness. This theory often draws from existential psychology and involves discussion of major life changes, such as birth, death and loss. The therapist in this regard acts more like a mentor and guide rather than an analyst. In this way, the patient guides most of the sessions.