Therapeutic Approaches
Building a therapeutic relationship is the most important part of therapy. This is why an integrated method is implemented in therapeutic sessions to facilitate this. I believe in a personalised approach to meet individual needs. Below is a brief description of some approaches that guide my inteventions.
Cognitive Behavioural
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on challenging and changing 1) thoughts, 2) feelings, and 3) behaviours associated with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. CBT sees a link between these three factors suggesting that thoughts affect feelings and feelings create behaviours.
CBT is problem-focused and action orientated. The Practitioner's role is to support the individual in identifying problems and goals, followed by implementing strategies to achieve goals and alleviate symptoms.
Compassion Focused
Compassion focused therapy (CFT) integrates CBT but also Buddhism and Neuroscience. It stipulates that that humans are driven by three systems 1) Threat 2) Drive and 3) Soothing. CFT argues that it is important to access the soothing system to develop compassion for ourselves, to others and from others. By doing this we develop the ability to manage difficult thoughts and emotions that are part of human struggles.
CFT is particularly useful for those whose negative emotions are routed in self- criticism, shame, anger and anxiety, but is proven to work well with other symptoms. Instead of being driven by out drive and threat instincts, CFT teachers us how to create our own safeness, warmth and contentedness by learning to implement soothing methods during a crisis.
Acceptance Commitment
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings rather than trying to push them away. ACT states that thoughts, good or bad, are a normal part of being human. Therefore, to live without thoughts would not make us human. When thoughts cause distress, trying to push them away will only intensify the thought and the emotion accompanying it.
ACT provides techniques that enable individuals to observe distressing thoughts and feelings rather than being led by them. This is achieved by breaking down the thought, separating oneself from the thought, and challenging the meaning of the thought. This process aims to enable individuals to respond to unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and sensations healthily and in line with their core beliefs and values.
Person Centred
Guided by a person centred approach, we believe that in the right circumstance and environment all individuals are able to become their true self, that in tern facilitates the ability for one to reach their full potential. This approach encourages self acceptance to aid recovery. There is no judgement, only empathy and an unconditional understanding of the difficulties we face as human beings. This approach is non directive, allowing space for you to talk and explore your thoughts and feelings.
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.
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.