Kintsugi Counselling Alternatives in 2026: Which Approach Is Right?
Last updated: October 2026
If you are looking for Kintsugi counselling alternatives in 2026, you may be wondering whether CBT, solution-focused therapy, relationship counselling, hypnotherapy or another approach may be more appropriate for your needs.
The idea of Kintsugi comes from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, traditionally using lacquer and powdered gold to highlight rather than conceal repaired cracks. In counselling, Kintsugi can be used as a metaphor or therapeutic theme for resilience, repair, acceptance and integrating difficult experiences.
There is an important distinction, however.
Kintsugi is not universally recognised as a standalone psychotherapy modality in the same way as established approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Research into a specific Kintsugi therapeutic technique has been published, but the evidence base is currently much smaller than the research literature supporting established psychological therapies.
A 2025 paper by Santos and Costa reported research involving 200 participants who completed assessments before and after approximately four to six sessions using a Kintsugi therapeutic technique. The researchers reported improvements in psychological wellbeing and reductions in anxiety measures. However, the study used a before-and-after design rather than a randomised controlled comparison. This means that the results cannot establish that the Kintsugi technique itself caused the observed changes. [1]
A substantially similar 2026 publication reports the same 200-participant research and methodology. It should therefore not be treated as independent confirmation from a separate sample. [2]
This is why it is useful to look beyond the name of a therapy when choosing counselling.
Consider the practitioner's qualifications and training, their experience with your particular concern, the therapeutic methods they actually use, and the evidence supporting those methods.
Depending on your circumstances, alternatives to Kintsugi counselling may include CBT, solution-focused therapy, relationship counselling, hypnotherapy and integrative counselling.
At The Lotus Rooms, counselling can draw on different therapeutic approaches according to an individual's circumstances, preferences and goals.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Kintsugi Counselling?
There is no single best alternative to Kintsugi counselling for everyone.
The most appropriate option depends on what you want help with, your preferences, the nature of the difficulty and the practitioner's qualifications, training and experience.
Some alternatives you may wish to explore include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — an established psychological approach focusing on relationships between thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
Solution-focused therapy — a goal-oriented approach concentrating on preferred outcomes, strengths, resources and practical change.
Relationship counselling — an option when difficulties primarily involve communication, conflict, trust or recurring relationship patterns.
Hypnotherapy — a therapeutic approach involving hypnosis that may be used for selected concerns.
Integrative counselling — counselling that draws on more than one therapeutic framework according to the person's circumstances.
Kintsugi-inspired counselling — counselling that uses Kintsugi as a metaphor, reflective framework or therapeutic theme.
These approaches are not interchangeable. They have different theoretical foundations, techniques and evidence bases.
The more useful question is therefore not simply:
"What is the best Kintsugi counselling alternative?"
but:
"Which therapeutic approach is appropriate for the issue I want help with?"
Kintsugi Counselling vs Other Therapeutic Approaches
Kintsugi can provide a meaningful way of talking about resilience, repair, acceptance and the experiences that shape a person's life.
However, a therapeutic metaphor and a therapeutic method are not necessarily the same thing.
When comparing Kintsugi counselling with other approaches, consider five questions:
What therapeutic techniques are actually being used?
What training does the practitioner have?
What concerns does the approach typically address?
What evidence supports the intervention?
How will progress be assessed?
This distinction is particularly important when comparing an emerging or individually adapted approach with an established psychotherapy such as CBT.
Healthdirect explains that counsellors use a range of approaches and that some practitioners are trained in more than one therapeutic method. It recommends asking about a counsellor's experience, style, goals, expected course of counselling and costs. [3]
Kintsugi Counselling Alternatives: Quick Comparison
Approach | Main focus | May suit people looking for |
Kintsugi-inspired counselling | Resilience, meaning, acceptance and integrating difficult experiences | A metaphorical or creative way of exploring personal experiences |
CBT | Thoughts, behaviours and emotional responses | A structured psychological approach |
Solution-focused therapy | Goals, strengths, resources and preferred future | Practical, goal-directed change |
Relationship counselling | Communication, conflict and relationship patterns | Support with couples or relationship difficulties |
Hypnotherapy | Therapeutic use of hypnosis alongside appropriate techniques | A hypnosis-based approach for selected concerns |
Integrative counselling | Combining therapeutic approaches | Individualised support drawing on more than one framework |
The categories can overlap. A practitioner may incorporate elements of different approaches depending on their training and the needs of the person seeking support.
Which Counselling Approach Might Suit You?
The following table is a starting point rather than a clinical recommendation.
If you are looking for... | An approach you could explore |
A structured psychological approach | CBT |
Practical, goal-focused change | Solution-focused therapy |
Help with relationship conflict or communication | Relationship counselling |
A therapeutic approach involving hypnosis | Hypnotherapy |
A combination of therapeutic frameworks | Integrative counselling |
A metaphorical framework around repair, resilience and personal meaning | Kintsugi-inspired counselling |
This does not mean that one approach is automatically appropriate for a particular problem.
For example, someone experiencing anxiety might explore CBT, but other forms of psychological or counselling support may also be relevant. Someone experiencing relationship difficulties may benefit from couples counselling, while an individual dealing with a specific behavioural concern may explore another approach.
Your circumstances, goals and the practitioner's qualifications and experience should be considered before choosing a therapy.
Kintsugi Counselling in Australia: What Should You Consider?
If you are looking for Kintsugi counselling in Australia, it is worth considering not only the therapeutic concept but also the professional context in which counselling is provided.
Healthdirect explains that counselling can be provided by counsellors, psychologists and social workers and can address issues including relationship problems, stress, grief and mental health challenges. [3]
Australian consumers should also understand that counsellors and psychologists are regulated differently.
Psychologists are registered health practitioners under Australia's National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and can be checked through Ahpra's public register. Counsellors and psychotherapists are not registered through the same national statutory regulatory system as psychologists. [3][4]
This makes it useful to ask a prospective counsellor:
What qualifications and training do you have?
What professional organisations do you belong to?
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
What experience do you have with my particular concern?
How will you assess whether counselling is helping?
What happens if the approach does not appear to be working?
Ahpra's public register provides current registration information for practitioners registered under the National Scheme. [5]
CBT: An Established Alternative to Kintsugi Counselling
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an established alternative to consider if you are looking for a structured psychological approach.
CBT focuses on relationships between thoughts, beliefs, behaviours and emotions. It can involve identifying unhelpful patterns and developing different ways of responding.
Healthdirect describes CBT as a structured form of therapy that can be delivered individually or in groups and can be provided in person or remotely. [6]
CBT may appeal to people looking for:
A clearly defined therapeutic framework
Practical strategies
Specific goals
Active participation in therapy
Skills that can be practised between sessions
A substantial body of research
CBT is used for a range of psychological difficulties, although the appropriate treatment depends on the individual and the problem being addressed.
Holistic Counselling vs CBT
You may also encounter searches for "holistic counselling vs CBT".
These terms should not necessarily be treated as two equivalent therapy systems.
CBT is a defined psychological therapy with a particular theoretical framework and established treatment techniques.
Holistic counselling, by contrast, is a broad descriptive term rather than one standardised psychotherapy protocol. Depending on the practitioner, it may refer to counselling that considers a person's emotional, psychological, relational, lifestyle and broader personal circumstances.
The important question is therefore what the practitioner actually means by "holistic" and which therapeutic methods they use.
Solution-Focused Therapy as a Kintsugi Counselling Alternative
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) takes a different approach from CBT and from a Kintsugi metaphor.
Rather than concentrating primarily on why a problem developed, solution-focused therapy places greater emphasis on:
What you want to change
What is already working
Times when the problem is less noticeable
Personal strengths and resources
Small, achievable steps towards a preferred future
Questions may include:
What would you like to be different?
When is the problem less noticeable?
What has helped you cope in the past?
What would a small improvement look like?
What strengths can you draw upon?
Solution-focused counselling may appeal if you want to concentrate on goals, strengths and practical change.
Research into SFBT has expanded in recent years. A 2024 meta-analysis examined 72 studies and 489 effect sizes and reported positive effects across a range of psychosocial outcomes, although effects varied according to the population and comparison condition. [7]
A 2025 umbrella review examined 25 systematic reviews, including 15 meta-analyses, and reported evidence of positive outcomes across different populations and settings. The authors nevertheless noted the need for further rigorous research. [8]
This provides a stronger research base than is currently available for the specific Kintsugi therapeutic technique described above, although the evidence for SFBT also varies by problem, population and study design.
Related reading:How Does Solution Focused Therapy Work? A 2026 Guide
Relationship Counselling as an Alternative
If the main difficulty involves a partner or relationship, relationship counselling may be more directly relevant than an individual therapeutic metaphor.
Relationship counselling can explore issues including:
Communication difficulties
Repeated arguments
Emotional disconnection
Loss of trust
Differences in expectations
Relationship transitions
Recurring patterns of conflict
Counselling can provide a structured environment in which partners explore their experiences, understand recurring patterns and consider possible changes.
The Lotus Rooms describes its relationship counselling as solution-focused and non-blaming, with an emphasis on communication, conflict resolution and relationship patterns. [9]
Related reading:Find Marriage Counselling in Croydon: What to Expect
Where there is family violence, coercive control, immediate danger or significant safety concerns, specialist support and safety planning may be more appropriate than ordinary couples counselling.
Hypnotherapy as a Kintsugi Counselling Alternative
Hypnotherapy involves the therapeutic use of hypnosis and may be incorporated into work addressing particular concerns.
The evidence for hypnotherapy varies according to the specific problem, intervention and outcome being investigated. It is therefore important not to present hypnotherapy as a universal replacement for established psychological treatments.
If you are considering hypnotherapy, ask the practitioner:
What training and qualifications do you have?
What concerns do you work with?
What therapeutic approach do you use alongside hypnosis?
What evidence supports the proposed intervention?
How will progress be assessed?
What happens if the approach is not helping?
The Lotus Rooms currently describes its services as including counselling and hypnotherapy and provides both face-to-face and video appointments. [10]
Related reading:A 2026 Guide to Hypnotherapy in Australia: Evidence, Costs and Choosing a Hypnotherapist
Integrative Counselling: Combining Different Approaches
Another alternative to choosing a single therapeutic model is integrative counselling.
An integrative approach may draw on more than one therapeutic framework rather than requiring every client to follow exactly the same model.
For example, depending on the practitioner's training, counselling may incorporate elements of CBT, solution-focused principles, Gestalt approaches, hypnotherapy or other techniques.
The Lotus Rooms describes its current approach as drawing on several therapeutic modalities, including CBT, NLP, Gestalt Therapy and hypnotherapy, alongside a positive psychology approach. [11]
However, "integrative" does not automatically mean better or more effective.
As with any counselling approach, the important questions are:
What methods are actually being used?
Why have those methods been selected?
What training does the practitioner have?
What evidence supports the approach for the particular concern?
How will progress be reviewed?
Kintsugi Counselling and The Lotus Rooms
The Lotus Rooms provides counselling in Croydon and online, with an approach that can incorporate different therapeutic methods according to the individual's circumstances and goals. [12]
The practice currently describes experience and training involving approaches including CBT, NLP, Gestalt Therapy, ACT and hypnotherapy. [12]
This may be relevant if you are considering Kintsugi counselling alternatives but are unsure which therapeutic approach is most appropriate.
Rather than choosing a therapy solely because of its name, you can discuss your circumstances and goals with a practitioner and explore what form of counselling may be suitable.
The Lotus Rooms also offers counselling and related services online by video. [10][12]
As with any counselling service, it is sensible to discuss the approach being used, the practitioner's training, fees, session arrangements and whether the service is appropriate for your needs before beginning.
Online Counselling as an Alternative to Face-to-Face Therapy
When comparing Kintsugi counselling alternatives, you may also want to consider whether online or face-to-face counselling is more suitable.
Online counselling can provide flexibility for people who prefer not to travel or who find video appointments more convenient.
Healthdirect notes that some counselling can be delivered online and that this may be more comfortable or convenient for some people. [3]
There is also evidence for particular forms of online psychological treatment.
For example, therapist-supported internet CBT has been studied for anxiety disorders. Evidence from systematic reviews indicates benefits compared with some minimal-intervention controls, although the quality and applicability of evidence varies depending on the comparison and treatment format.
The important distinction is:
Evidence for therapist-supported internet CBT should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that every form of online counselling is equally effective.
The therapy being delivered, the level of practitioner support and the person's individual circumstances all matter.
How to Choose a Counsellor in Australia
Whether you choose Kintsugi-inspired counselling, CBT, solution-focused therapy, relationship counselling or another approach, choosing the practitioner is an important part of the process.
1. Check qualifications and training
Ask about the practitioner's qualifications, professional training and experience.
For registered health professions, Ahpra provides a public register where consumers can check registration information. [5]
Not every counsellor is registered through Ahpra, so it can also be useful to ask about professional membership and relevant qualifications.
Healthdirect identifies professional organisations including the Australian Counselling Association, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. [3]
2. Ask about experience
Ask whether the practitioner has experience with the issue you want to address.
Someone seeking relationship counselling may want to ask specifically about experience with couples, while someone seeking psychological treatment for anxiety may want to ask about experience with established evidence-based approaches.
3. Ask what happens during sessions
A therapy label does not tell you everything about what happens in a session.
Ask:
What will we actually do?
What therapeutic techniques will you use?
How structured are sessions?
Will there be exercises between sessions?
How will we measure progress?
4. Discuss your goals
Your goals can help determine whether an approach is appropriate.
For example, you may want to:
Improve communication
Change recurring behavioural patterns
Manage anxiety or stress
Understand yourself better
Work through a difficult experience
Improve a relationship
Develop practical strategies for change
5. Consider the practical arrangements
Before starting counselling, clarify:
Session length
Fees
Cancellation arrangements
Online or face-to-face options
Appointment availability
Expected frequency
How progress will be reviewed
Healthdirect specifically recommends asking about counselling style, experience, goals, expected number of sessions and costs. [3]
Is Counselling Covered by Medicare in Australia?
This is an important consideration when comparing counselling services.
Healthdirect states that Medicare does not generally cover counselling provided by a counsellor, although Medicare may cover services provided by specific registered health professionals in particular circumstances. [3]
For example, Medicare rebates may apply to eligible services provided by psychologists, psychiatrists or doctors under applicable Medicare arrangements.
If Medicare rebates are important to you, check the practitioner's profession, registration status, eligibility and the current Medicare arrangements before booking.
Do not assume that a service described online as "therapy", "counselling" or "psychotherapy" automatically attracts a Medicare rebate.
Kintsugi Counselling Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kintsugi counselling?
Kintsugi counselling generally refers to counselling that uses the Japanese Kintsugi concept as a metaphor, therapeutic theme or technique associated with resilience, repair, acceptance and integrating difficult experiences.
It is important to distinguish this from established psychotherapy modalities such as CBT.
Is Kintsugi counselling a recognised therapy?
Kintsugi is not universally recognised as a standalone psychotherapy modality equivalent to established approaches such as CBT.
Research into a specific Kintsugi therapeutic technique has been published, including research involving 200 participants. However, the study used a before-and-after design rather than a randomised controlled comparison, so it cannot establish that the technique itself caused the reported changes. [1]
A 2026 publication reports the same 200-participant research rather than a clearly independent replication involving a separate sample. [2]
Is Kintsugi counselling evidence-based?
There is emerging research into Kintsugi-based therapeutic techniques, but the evidence base remains limited compared with established psychological therapies.
The available 200-participant research is an interesting starting point, but its before-and-after design means that it provides less robust evidence of causation than a well-designed randomised controlled trial. [1][2]
What is the best alternative to Kintsugi counselling?
There is no single best alternative for everyone.
Possible alternatives include:
CBT
Solution-focused therapy
Relationship counselling
Hypnotherapy
Integrative counselling
The appropriate choice depends on your goals, the nature of the difficulty, your preferences and the practitioner's qualifications and experience.
Is CBT better than holistic counselling?
These terms describe different things.
CBT is a defined psychological therapy with a substantial research literature.
"Holistic counselling" is a broad term rather than one standardised psychotherapy protocol. The methods and evidence therefore depend on what the individual practitioner actually provides.
The more useful question is not which label sounds better, but what therapeutic methods are being used and whether they are appropriate for your circumstances.
Can Kintsugi be combined with CBT?
Potentially.
A practitioner may use Kintsugi as a metaphor, reflective exercise or therapeutic theme alongside another therapeutic approach.
Whether this is appropriate depends on the practitioner's training, the methods being used and the person's circumstances.
Is online counselling effective?
Some forms of online psychological treatment have supporting evidence.
For example, therapist-supported internet CBT has been studied for anxiety disorders. However, evidence for one particular online intervention should not be assumed to apply equally to every type of online counselling.
How do I find a counsellor in Australia?
Healthdirect recommends considering qualifications, training and professional membership when choosing a counsellor. It identifies professional organisations including the Australian Counselling Association, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. [3]
For registered health practitioners such as psychologists, Ahpra's public register can be used to check registration. [5]
Choosing a Kintsugi Counselling Alternative in 2026
Searching for Kintsugi counselling alternatives in 2026 can be a useful starting point, but choosing a therapy is about more than finding the most appealing description.
Consider:
Your goals — What would you like to change?
The nature of the problem — Is it individual, psychological, behavioural or relationship-focused?
Your preferred style — Would you prefer structured therapy or a more exploratory approach?
The practitioner — What qualifications, training and experience do they have?
The evidence — What research supports the approach for your particular concern?
The format — Would online or face-to-face counselling suit you?
Progress — How will you and your practitioner know whether counselling is helping?
Kintsugi can offer a meaningful framework for discussing resilience, repair, acceptance and personal growth.
At the same time, the underlying therapeutic method, practitioner training and supporting evidence remain important considerations.
For someone looking for a structured psychological approach, CBT may be worth exploring. Someone seeking practical, future-oriented work may be interested in solution-focused therapy. Relationship difficulties may call for relationship counselling, while someone interested in hypnosis may wish to explore hypnotherapy. An integrative approach may be another option where a practitioner is appropriately trained in multiple frameworks.
There is no single therapeutic approach that is appropriate for everyone.
The most useful starting point is to understand what you want help with and then discuss the available therapeutic options with an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are considering counselling, you can explore the counselling services available at The Lotus Rooms.
References
Santos, P. I., & Costa, A. B. (2025). Kintsugi, Mending with Gold – A Psychotherapeutic Technique. European Psychiatry, 68(S1), S1064–S1065. DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.2155.
Gonçalves dos Santos, P. I., & Maciel, R. (2026). Kintsugi "Mending with Gold" – A Psychotherapeutic Technique. Medical Research Archives, 14(6). DOI: 10.18103/mra.2026.0270.
Healthdirect Australia. Counsellors and counselling – what is it and how it can help. Australian Government.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Registration Standards. Australian Government.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Register of practitioners / Tips for using the public register. Australian Government.
Healthdirect Australia. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Australian Government.
Vermeulen-Oskam, E., Franklin, C., Van't Hof, L. P. M., Stams, G. J. J. M., van Vugt, E. S., Assink, M., Veltman, E. J., Froerer, A. S., Staaks, J. P. C., & Zhang, A. (2024). The current evidence of solution-focused brief therapy: A meta-analysis of psychosocial outcomes and moderating factors. Clinical Psychology Review, 114, 102512. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102512.
Żak, A. M., & Pękala, K. (2025). Effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Psychotherapy Research, 35(7), 1043–1055. DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2406540.
The Lotus Rooms. Relationship Counselling at The Lotus Rooms Croydon and the Gottman Institute.
The Lotus Rooms. A 2026 Guide to Hypnotherapy in Australia: Evidence, Costs and Choosing a Hypnotherapist.
The Lotus Rooms. The Lotus Rooms and Gestalt Therapy.
The Lotus Rooms. Croydon Healesville Counselling Life Coaching.
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