A comprehensive model of counseling that integrates practically relevant approaches is outlined briefly. It contains principles of the helping alliance, behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic and existential aspects. Hermeneutics serves as a meta-theoretical framework. Data from a naturalistic single-group pre-post effectiveness study suggest that integrative counseling is effective in reducing psychopathology and distress as well as in restoring satisfaction with life and studies. Corresponding effect sizes were medium to high. The integrative model facilitates a coherent conceptualization of cases and first results show that it is useful and effective for a creative counseling practice.