Therapies
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy. It is successful in treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety disorders (i.e., social anxiety, health anxiety etc.), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and phobias (i.e., emetophobia, needle phobia etc). I am skilled in treating these difficulties and can offer treatment to support many emotional difficulties including anger, shame, grief, low self-esteem, stress and sleep problems.
Rationale
We all have hundreds of thoughts running through our heads each day, most of which are automatic. Sometimes, we can be overwhelmed by thoughts, which are often negative. The aim of CBT is to understand how our thoughts impact our emotions and in turn, how we respond to them. As we tend to behave according to how we feel, we can become trapped in cycles of behaviours that are unhelpful or detrimental to our emotional and physical wellbeing.
By paying attention to the connection between our thoughts and emotions, it is possible to consider other behaviours that could be more helpful and productive. We know that ingrained patterns of behaviour need to be actively worked on and can ultimately lead to positive changes to behaviours and support more helpful ways of thinking.
CFT
If you have experienced trauma and your difficulties are underpinned by adversity in your early life, such as abuse or neglect, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) is more likely to meet your needs than CBT. CFT is particularly helpful for people who experience feelings of shame and low self-esteem and can be a more gentle way to support you to develop a kinder and more compassionate way of relating to yourself.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to help people develop some acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions which are causing conflict, rather than battling or avoiding them as we tend to do. When life presents challenges, it is easy to lose sight of the things that we hold dear – our values – such as connecting with friends and family, pursuing hobbies and looking after ourselves. One of the ways in which ACT achieves change is by identifying things that hold meaning for you, which can be used as strong foundations to support a richer quality of life and sense of purpose, despite the challenges. Other strategies include increasing flexibility of thinking and using mindfulness to support behavioural changes. ACT is helpful in treating anxiety disorders and depression and can effectively support the management of chronic pain and long-term conditions.