The Human Givens school of psychotherapy says that an effective therapist will, amongst other things.

• Understand depression and how to lift it.
• Understand the processes involved in addiction and how to overcome them.
• Help immediately with anxiety problems including trauma or other fear-related symptoms.
• Be prepared to give advice if needed or asked for.
• Not use jargon or "psychobabble".
• Not dwell unduly on the past.
• Be supportive when difficult feelings emerge but not encourage people to remain in an emotionally aroused state.
• Help people to draw on their own resources (which may prove greater than thought).
• Help people think about their problems in a new and more empowering way.
• Use a wide range of techniques.
• Take as few sessions as possible.

I embrace all of these principles.