Individual Therapy

Type of treatment

Our psychologists are trained in the use of a variety of psychological approaches. Their practice is informed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) and SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) guidelines, as well as evidence-based treatments.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, behaviour and physiological symptoms are all connected. A change in one of these areas can alter the others. When we feel worried and experience physical symptoms, we often fall into patterns of thinking and behaviour which can worsen how we feel. CBT can help us notice and change unhelpful thinking styles and behavioural patterns so we can feel better. Our psychologists are all highly experienced in CBT. For more information on CBT, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/ and https://www.babcp.com/public/what-is-cbt.aspx

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

  TF-CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment model for people who have experienced traumatic event(s) and who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another post-traumatic stress reaction. Many of our psychologists are specialists in trauma treatment. The duration of treatment is 12 – 16 sessions. The core components of TF-CBT include: (i) psycho-education on the nature of traumatic events and trauma symptoms, (ii) coping strategies for trauma symptoms, (iii) In Vivo Exposure i.e. gradually confronting objectively safe situations you have become scared of following the traumatic event(s), (iv) Imaginal Exposure i.e. repeated telling of the traumatic event to emotionally and cognitively process the traumatic memory as much as possible, and (v) reconnecting with life around you. For more information on TF-CBT, visit https://www.ptsduk.org/treatment-options/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  EMDR is an evidence-based psychological treatment for working with distressing or traumatic memories. The theory behind EMDR is that psychological difficulties are the result of traumatic memories which have not been stored in the memory network properly and are unprocessed or blocked. These traumatic memories are easily triggered, leading them to replay (e.g. repeated nightmares, images, memories and flashbacks), causing repeated distress. In EMDR you are asked to look from one side to another while thinking about your traumatic memory. This bilateral stimulation has been found to enhance memory processing. Several of our psychologists are highly experienced in EMDR treatment. Sessions can be 60 or 90 minutes. To treat simpler traumatic experiences, 8 – 12 sessions are recommended. More sessions are necessary for multiple traumatic events. For more information on EMDR, visit https://www.ptsduk.org/treatment-options/eye-movement-desensitisation-reprocessing-emdr/ and/or www.emdrassociation.org.uk

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  ACT focuses on the importance of acceptance when dealing with difficult emotions and troubling thoughts. It aims to help you to get to a place where you can openly experience thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations and not be controlled by them. It is through accepting the unwanted thoughts and feelings, as opposed to battling with them, that you become better able to focus on the present and to take action towards leading the kind of life you truly want to live in accordance with your values. ACT is found to be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders (e.g. obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and generalised anxiety), depression, substance abuse, trauma, and couples’ distress. Several of our psychologists have a special interest in ACT treatment. For more information on ACT, visit https://www.contextualpsychology.org

• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

  CAT involves helping people to understand the origins of their distress, which are often rooted in early life experiences. CAT aims to increase understanding of how people currently cope with emotional distress and difficulties in relationships with others. The psychologist will write you a letter and use diagrams to describe unhelpful patterns of behaviour and to find other ways of responding to these difficult situations. CAT is useful for people who have become stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaviour or relationships, and where other therapies have come up against a block. Some of our psychologists are experienced in the use of CAT treatment. CAT can be used for a range of difficulties such as depression, anxiety and relationship problems. It is a time-limited therapy – between 4 and 24 weeks, but typically 16. For more information on CAT, visit https://www.acat.me.uk

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

  CFT was developed to work with issues of shame and self-criticism. It is useful for working with a wide range of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. CFT proposes that people have 3 systems for managing their emotional states: the threat system, drive system and soothing system. Through no fault of their own, some people have not had the opportunities in childhood to develop their soothing system and therefore have fewer ways of coping with everyday life. Our team is experienced in providing CFT treatment. People in the threat mindset are more likely to cope by fight (self-critical i.e. self-fight) or flight (avoiding things). The goal of CFT is to: (i) alleviate suffering by developing your soothing (compassion) system, and (ii) allow you to live more comfortably in your own mind. For more information on CFT you can visit: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/compassion-focused-therapy and/or www.compassionatemind.co.uk