Various schools of thought in counselling and psychotherapy interconnect like various nodes on a web of counselling theory. I'd like to give credit to some of the names and evidence-based theories that inform the ideas at work in my own practice-based research. 

Cognitive Therapy:

Cognitive Therapy, pioneered by Aaron Beck and later developed by Albert Ellis in the 1960s, targets unhelpful thought patterns. Beck's "Cognitive Therapy of Depression" (1976) and Ellis's "Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy" (1962) laid the foundation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Modern theorists like Judith Beck, Aaron's daughter, have extended the approach, emphasising cognitive restructuring techniques and David Burns is also considered a founder of CBT. Cognitive therapy also has philosophical influences from Stoicism, Taoism, Buddhism and Existentialism.

Behavioural Therapy:

Rooted in the mid-20th century with B.F. Skinner's "Science and Human Behavior" (1953), Behavioural Therapy focuses on observable behaviours. Modern behavioural theorists like Steven Hayes, founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), have expanded the field, integrating cognitive and mindfulness elements.

Developmental Psychology:

Shaped by Jean Piaget's "The Origins of Intelligence in Children" (1952) and Erik Erikson's "Identity: Youth and Crisis" (1959), Developmental Psychology explores human growth. Modern developmental psychologists like Lev Vygotsky and Urie Bronfenbrenner have provided new perspectives, emphasising social and cultural influences. Author Bill Plotkin in his book "Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World" (2006) also offers an archetypal approach to understanding life stages.

Ecopsychology:

Emerging in the late 20th century, Ecopsychology explores the human-environment relationship. Theodore Roszak's "The Voice of the Earth" (1992) set the stage. Ecologically-minded therapists, philosophers and researchers including Howard Clinebell, Nick Totten, Joanna Macy and Michael J. Cohen, have contributed to the field and focused on ways of restoring nature connection as means for improving individual and planetary health.

Existential Therapy:

Existential Therapy is influenced by philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, exploring the human experience. Viktor Frankl and Irvin Yalom are some of the most well-known and celebrated existential therapists focusing on issues such as coming to terms with the meaning and experiences of life and death, in individual and group therapy.

Humanistic Psychology:

Humanistic Psychology, evolving in the mid-20th century with Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, is a positive approach to human potential. Modern therapists and researchers like Brian Levitt, Pete Sanders and Dave Mearns and Brian Thorne have contributed to the field, exploring person-centred therapy and positive psychology approaches.

Integral Psychology:

Integral Psychology, developed by philosopher Ken Wilber, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding human consciousness and development. It integrates multiple perspectives, including psychological, spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions, into a unified whole. Originating in the 1970s, Integral Theory has evolved over time, with contributions from various thinkers and practitioners. In psychotherapy practice, Integral Psychology provides a holistic approach that acknowledges the complexity of human experience and considers the interplay of various factors in promoting healing and growth. 

Mindfulness:

Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Miracle of Mindfulness" (1975) first popularised mindfulness in the international mainstream, however mindfulness has been a practice across many traditions since ancient times. Mindfulness today is mostly informed by Buddhist psychology, Stoicism and Neuroscience, though contemporary Australian Aboriginals, esoteric Christians and many other traditions approach the concept of mindfulness from similar angles. Mindfulness is a way of being present in the here and now, with a warm-hearted awareness of the contents of the mind, other people and the environment. Key teachers are Thich Nhat Hanh, Dan Siegel, Alan Watts, Sharon Salzberg, Rod Owens, Ruth King, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.

Psychodynamic Therapy:

With its roots in Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis and Carl Gustav Jung's Analytical Psychology becoming predominant from the twentieth century, Psychodynamic Therapy delves into unconscious processes. Eric Berne's work on Transactional Analysis is also considered a wing of psychodynamic theory focusing on social interactions. Modern theorists like Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg have expanded psychodynamic concepts, such as personality structures and object relations theory.

Somatic Therapy:

Somatic Therapy, integrating body and mind, draws from Wilhelm Reich's bioenergetics and Eugene Gendlin's focusing-oriented psychotherapy. Modern somatic therapists like Peter Levine, Bessel Van Der Kolk, Pat Ogden and Nick Totten have expanded somatic approaches, exploring areas such as trauma resolution, interpersonal neurobiology and the body-mind connection.

Systemic Therapy:

Evolving in the mid-20th century, Systemic Therapy views individuals in the context of systems. Modern systemic therapists like John Gottman, Sue Johnson and Esther Perel have advanced systemic approaches, focusing on couples and family dynamics. Richard Schwarz has also developed key contributions to the application of systemic therapy to the relationships between the different parts of the mind, and integrating insights from Carl Gustav Jung, to create Internal Family Systems Therapy

Transpersonal Psychology:

Emerging in the 20th century, Transpersonal Psychology explores spiritual aspects of the human experience. Carl Gustav Jung, Abraham Maslow, Ronald David Laing and Roberto Assagioli are some of the foremost transpersonal psychologists.  Anodea Judith's "Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self"(1966) is a key influential text of many transpersonal therapists today. Modern transpersonal researchers like Stanislav Grov, Ken Wilber, John Rowan, and Daniel Foor continue to shape the field focusing on areas such as levels of consciousness and ancestral healing.