The therapeutic approach will be decided collaboratively between client and therapist. The number of sessions you need depends upon the difficulty you need help with. Therapy usually lasts for between 5 and 20 sessions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you mange your problems by changing the ways you think and behave. CBT has a large evidence base for the treatment of a wide range of emotional and physical health conditions in adults, young people and children. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis, and bipolar disorder. There is also good evidence that CBT is helpful for chronic fatigue, behavioural difficulties in children, anxiety disorders in children, chronic pain, physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis, sleep difficulties, and anger management.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that alters the way traumatic memories are stored within the brain making them easier to manage and causing less distress. Research shows that EMDR is very effective for PTSD and it is often used with veterans. EMDR is suitable for any traumatic memories (it could be abuse, a car accident, or something less significant like being humiliated). Increasingly, EMDR is effectively being used for the treatment of anxiety, phobias, depression, grief, performance anxiety and low self-esteem.
Integrative Psychotherapy is a term used to describe a therapy that draws upon elements of more than one therapeutic approach, chosen to suit the individual's needs. Clinical Psychologists are trained in a range of psychological therapies. Within an integrative approach, I draw upon my knowledge and experiences in CBT, EMDR, DBT, systemic therapy, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a way of living that encourages individuals to pay more attention to the present moment as a way of positively changing the way we see ourselves and our lives. Mindfulness helps us let go of upsetting thoughts or memories from the past and stops us worrying about future problems. I offer the opportunity to learn mindfulness skills either on an individual basis or within a small group.