Starting therapy can feel intimidating and it’s completely normal to have questions about the process. At the beginning of treatment, we will meet to explore your difficulties and find a therapeutic approach that is best suited to meet your needs. All of the therapies I use are backed by clinical research.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapy that is highly effective for many mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is a structured approach that helps people to understand how their thought and behavioural patterns are maintaining their difficulties. We work together to understand and then introduce techniques to address these maintaining patterns.
Although CBT focuses on the here and now, it does not discredit the impact the past can have on current issues. Where needed the past can be explored to help update current beliefs.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that supports individuals in processing and recovering from traumatic or distressing experiences.
EMDR is a recommended treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It can also be beneficial for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and other conditions where unresolved memories contribute to ongoing symptoms.
During EMDR, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation (often in the form of guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. This technique allows individuals to reduce the emotional intensity linked to those memories and approach them in a safe and contained way, with the support of their therapist.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
At its core, IPT is based on the understanding that relationships play a crucial role in managing mental health difficulties. It is a therapy primarily used for the treatment of depression. The therapy helps individuals strengthen their support networks and develop healthier ways to cope with depressive symptoms.
IPT is particularly effective when depression is connected to one or more of four key areas: grief, major life transitions (such as divorce, parenthood, or retirement), conflict within a significant relationship, or recurring patterns of relationship difficulties.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT can be helpful for individuals who struggle with high levels of shame, self-criticism, and difficulties in generating self-compassion. The approach combines principles from evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive behavioural therapy to help people develop a compassionate mind and find ways to regulate their emotions.
