A straight-talking guide to how I work…
I use different evidence-based therapeutic models focused on either dealing with present difficulties or ironing out difficulties from the past that affect your day-to-day functioning. They all help you understand how the problem started and what is maintaining it. Depending on the difficulties to work on, we may use one model or another, or we may combine aspects of different models. Take a look at what they involve.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a short-term therapy that helps you break down your difficulties into unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It focuses on your current challenges but also identifies long-held beliefs and assumptions that need updating, and teaches practical techniques to change unhelpful habits. CBT is widely recognized as effective for issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and trauma.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is a mindfulness-based approach that helps you handle tough thoughts and feelings that may be holding you back. Instead of fighting these feelings, ACT teaches you to accept them, so you can focus on what's truly important and move toward your goals. It’s proven to be effective for issues like anxiety, mood problems, and managing long-term health conditions.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapy that helps you process painful memories that are still affecting your life today. Using guided eye movements and other techniques, EMDR helps your brain work through these memories, reducing their impact and freeing you from distress. It’s recommended for trauma (like PTSD) but can also be helpful with other issues tied to past experiences.
Behavioural Couple Therapy, or BCT, helps couples break unhelpful patterns and improve how they communicate with each other. By focusing on better communication skills and understanding the beliefs behind your actions, BCT helps you and your partner work through challenges together. This approach not only strengthens your relationship but also helps you handle issues with family, work, and other parts of your life as a team.