Therapeutic Approach
Tailored Therapeutic Journeys for Every Client
All the therapies that I use have a robust evidence-base, meaning that there have been multiple, rigorous studies and clinical trials demonstrating that they are both effective and safe.
I will always engage each client in their own, personal therapeutic journey, with one or a combination of therapies listed below, - following a process of assessment, formulation, intervention and review.
All sessions are reflective, collaborative and experiential.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a process which enables individuals to control their mental health by understanding the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
It is very common when feeling anxious or depressed to get caught in vicious cycle where particular thoughts drive how we feel and how we cope.
By challenging those specific thoughts and beliefs and practicing new ways of coping individuals experience reduced symptoms, increased tolerance of emotions, improved relationships and positive behavioural changes.
CBT (i)
CBT(i) is a specialised form of CBT to treat insomnia.
It involves education around the science of sleep, challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about sleep, helping to develop habits and routines that promote better sleep and learning and practicing different methods to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation. CBT(i) can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or in conjunction with other therapies.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a third wave cognitive therapy that incorporates Mindfulness.
It involves learning different techniques which enable you to alter your relationship with your thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to get rid of negative thoughts by changing them - it helps you to accept them, take a step back and shift your attention on to your values and the things that are within your control.
ACT teaches you to become less rigid in the way that you cope with thoughts and feelings about yourself and enables you to become more flexible and creative in the way in which you respond to them.
Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)
CFT is another third wave cognitive therapy, which incorporates some of the techniques and concepts found in other theories and therapies.
It helps to relieve intrusive feelings of shame and self-criticism - which often underpin a range of different psychological difficulties such as depression and anxiety. At the heart of CFT is learning to regulate the three emotion systems that humans exist in (threat, drive and soothing). It is very common for people starting therapy to have very activated threat and drive systems, with limited ways to self-soothe.
Compassionate mind training helps to bring greater balance to these systems. Mindfulness, soothing rhythm breathing, imagery and visualisations help you to step outside of your ‘tricky’ brain by gradually slowing the mind down and creating a more compassionate self.
Food and Mood
Over the last few years, I have taken particular interest, both personally and professionally in the relationship between food and mood.
I have reviewed the latest scientific research and have attended workshops and courses from acclaimed Nutritional Psychiatrists and researchers in this area allowing me to incorporate an understanding of food and nutrition in the ways I can help my clients.
I will discuss these with you at your assessment, endeavour to share the latest advice and give you some tips and tools for bringing this into your daily life.
Free Consultation
Taking the first step towards change can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact me today for a free 20 minute initial consultation where we can discuss your needs and how I can help.
