Therapeutic Approaches
Building the Therapeutic Relationship
Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective therapy. To foster this connection, I implement an integrated approach during sessions, tailoring interventions to meet each individual's unique needs. Below is an overview of some of the approaches that guide my work:
Cognitive Behavioural
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and transforming the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours associated with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. This approach operates on the principle that thoughts influence feelings, which in turn drive behaviors, creating a cycle that can perpetuate emotional distress.
CBT is both problem-focused and action-oriented. As a practitioner, my role is to support individuals in:
Identifying problems and establishing clear, achievable goals.
Implementing practical strategies to work toward these goals and alleviate symptoms.
This collaborative approach equips individuals with the tools to challenge unhelpful patterns and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
Compassion Focused
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT integrates principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Buddhism, and Neuroscience to explore how humans are driven by three emotional systems:
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Threat – Focused on survival and detecting danger.
Drive – Focused on achievement and acquiring resources.
Soothing – Focused on safety, connection, and well-being.
CFT emphasizes the importance of activating the soothing system to cultivate compassion for ourselves, towards others, and from others. By fostering compassion, individuals can manage complex thoughts and emotions from life’s challenges.
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This approach is particularly beneficial for those whose negative emotions stem from self-criticism, shame, anger, or anxiety, though it has proven effective for other symptoms as well. Rather than being dominated by the threat or drive systems, CFT teaches us how to create a sense of safety, warmth, and contentment through soothing techniques, even during times of crisis.
Acceptance Commitment
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to accept thoughts and feelings rather than attempting to suppress or eliminate them. It acknowledges that both positive and negative thoughts are a natural part of the human experience.
According to ACT, striving to avoid distressing thoughts often intensifies their impact, reinforcing the associated emotional distress.
Instead, ACT provides practical techniques to help individuals:
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Observe distressing thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them.
Break down and detach from the thought, recognizing it as separate from one’s identity.
Challenge the meaning of the thought to reduce its power.
This process enables individuals to respond to unpleasant experiences in ways that are consistent with their core beliefs and values, promoting healthier emotional regulation and psychological flexibility.
Positive Psychology
The premise of positive psychology is that humans are driven by the future far more than the past. Goals keep us motivated and provide us with a sense of purpose. Anxiety and depressive features, however, are at risk when goals are not achieved and a hopeless mindset develops.
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Positive psychology aims to encourage the acceptance of one's past, develop the ability to be content in the current moment, and experience excitement and optimism about the future. Ask yourself! Have you failed eight times, or found eight ways that something no longer works? This approach is beneficial for those requiring coaching due to difficulties with performance and work-related stressors.