Therapies
Personalised Therapy Tailored to You
I firmly believe that therapy should be as unique as you are. My practice is grounded in sound theoretical knowledge and the delivery of diverse psychological interventions. Recognising that one size does not fit all, I am committed to collaborating with you to determine what approach works best. Together, we will regularly review and adapt our methods as your goals and needs evolve.
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​Below, you’ll find a list of therapeutic modalities I am trained in and can incorporate into our work. Each approach provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. During your initial assessment, we can discuss which approach may best suit your individual needs. If you’d like to learn more about some of the main therapeutic approaches, feel free to explore the descriptions below by clicking on the links. I am happy to discuss which model might suit you best during our assessment.
​Therapeutic Modalities I Offer as a whole model, or as integrated elements: click on them, or read on
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Structured Clinical Management
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy
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Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Motivational Interviewing
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Transactional Analysis
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Psychodynamic Therapy
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Polyvagal Theory-Informed Therapy
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Systemic Therapy​​
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITISATION REPROGRAMMING - EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialised form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing memories and experiences. It is particularly effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
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EMDR is based on the understanding that our memories and experiences are stored in the brain, and sometimes these memories can become “stuck,” causing emotional distress. By engaging in bilateral stimulation activities, such as side-to-side eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones, EMDR helps activate the brain's natural healing processes. This process enables the individual to reprocess and integrate these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and impact.
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Key Features of EMDR:
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Structured Protocol: EMDR follows a specific, evidence-based protocol tailored to the individual's needs.
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Trained Practitioners: It must be conducted by a therapist who has completed the extensive and approved training required to deliver EMDR safely and effectively. I have completed this training and continue to refine my skills through ongoing professional development and EMDR-specific supervision.
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Short-Term Treatment: EMDR is often considered a relatively short-term therapy, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed.
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COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (including CBT for Trauma)
​Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured and goal-oriented therapy designed to help you explore and address what’s happening for you in the here and now. Rooted in the principle that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties.
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During CBT sessions, we work collaboratively to understand your experiences and create a personalised plan to meet your goals. Sessions often follow an agreed agenda, providing structure and focus. Between sessions, you may be invited to complete tasks such as maintaining a mood or thought diary. These activities can help us uncover patterns in your thinking and behaviour, providing valuable insights to guide your therapeutic journey.
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CBT is effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
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Depression
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Anxiety disorders
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Trauma-related challenges
This evidence-based approach empowers you with practical tools and strategies to make meaningful changes, promoting lasting improvements in your mental well-being. Together, we can work towards creating positive shifts in how you think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges.
ACCEPTANCE & COMMITMENT THERAPY
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility. It is designed to help individuals accept their thoughts and feelings, rather than fighting or avoiding them, and to live a meaningful life guided by their core values.
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ACT is based on the principle that much of our psychological suffering stems from attempts to avoid or control difficult thoughts and emotions. Instead of struggling against these experiences, ACT encourages individuals to embrace them as part of the human condition while taking purposeful, values-driven action.
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Key Elements of ACT:
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Acceptance: Developing a willingness to experience difficult emotions and thoughts without judgment or resistance.
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Values-Based Action: Identifying what matters most to you and committing to actions that align with those values, even when challenges arise.
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Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness by observing thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.
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Cognitive Defusion: Learning to separate yourself from your thoughts, seeing them as mental events rather than absolute truths.
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Exposure: Gradually facing feared or avoided thoughts, emotions, and situations to reduce their power over you.
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Applications of ACT:
ACT is used to treat a wide range of mental health challenges, including:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Chronic pain
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Substance abuse
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Stress-related conditions
The Goal of ACT:
The ultimate aim of ACT is to help you lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life by fostering psychological flexibility. This means being open to your thoughts and feelings while staying connected to what truly matters to you, enabling you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.
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ACT offers a compassionate and empowering approach to therapy, helping you move beyond avoidance and toward a richer, more values-driven existence.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY​
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a highly specialised form of behavioural therapy designed for individuals who experience intense emotions. It focuses on helping you understand and manage difficult feelings while equipping you with practical skills to navigate emotional challenges effectively.
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Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT has been shown to be effective in addressing:
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Mood disorders
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Suicidal ideation
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Self-harming behaviours
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Substance use issues
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It is commonly associated with the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), though its principles can be applied to anyone struggling with emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
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Core Components of DBT
The therapy emphasises skill development in the following areas:
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Emotion Regulation: Learning to manage and reduce the intensity of overwhelming emotions.
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Distress Tolerance: Building resilience to cope with crisis situations and challenging emotions.
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Interpersonal Effectiveness: Enhancing communication and relationship skills while maintaining self-respect.
My Approach to DBT
I offer individual, skills-based DBT sessions tailored to your needs. While I do not provide group-based DBT at this time, my one-to-one sessions aim to deliver the same practical benefits in a personalised format.
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Working with Personality Disorders
I welcome individuals with personality disorder diagnoses and provide a safe, supportive environment to explore and address your needs. However, therapy will always be based on an assessment of individual risk, as I do not offer crisis or emergency services. Risk levels will be carefully considered during the initial assessment, and I am open to collaborating with other mental health professionals or teams to ensure comprehensive care where needed.
What to Expect
DBT provides a structured yet compassionate framework to help you better understand your emotions, manage distress, and build meaningful connections. It is an empowering approach for those seeking to create positive and lasting change in their lives.
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COMPASSION FOCUSSED THERAPY
​Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals cultivate self-compassion and compassion for others. It acknowledges the challenges many people face with self-criticism, shame, and self-blame, which can undermine emotional well-being and hinder healthy relationships.
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What is CFT?
CFT is based on the understanding that developing a compassionate mindset can improve emotional resilience and foster a more fulfilling and meaningful life. It aims to help individuals:
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Develop a kinder, more understanding attitude towards themselves.
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Cultivate empathy and compassion for others.
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Cope with difficult thoughts and emotions in a healthy, adaptive way.
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Identify and pursue core values that bring purpose and meaning to life.
Applications of CFT
CFT is effective in addressing a variety of mental health concerns, including:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Personality disorders
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Low self-esteem
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Relationship difficulties
How CFT Works
Therapy sessions focus on helping you:
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Understand the origins of self-criticism: Exploring how early experiences and societal pressures may have contributed to harsh self-judgment.
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Develop self-compassionate practices: Using guided imagery, mindfulness, and compassionate-focused exercises to build a supportive inner voice.
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Strengthen emotional resilience: Learning to navigate difficult emotions with acceptance and care.
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Enhance life satisfaction: Aligning actions with personal values to foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
The Goal of CFT
The ultimate aim of CFT is to help you reduce the impact of shame and self-criticism, enabling you to build healthier relationships with yourself and others. Through this process, you can create a more compassionate, balanced approach to life, improving both emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
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CFT provides a safe, non-judgemental space to explore your feelings and develop the skills needed to thrive with greater self-acceptance and connection to others.
ROGERIAN - PERSON CENTRED THERAPY
​Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), also known as Client-Centred Therapy or Rogerian Therapy, is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s. It is based on the belief that individuals have an inherent capacity for growth and self-improvement and are the true experts on their own lives.
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The Foundation of PCT
Person-Centred Therapy provides a supportive, non-judgemental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The therapist's role is to foster understanding and acceptance, helping the client develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance.
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Core Conditions of PCT
PCT is centred around three fundamental conditions that the therapist strives to provide:
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Congruence: The therapist is genuine and authentic in their interactions with the client, creating a sense of trust and openness.
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Empathy: The therapist seeks to deeply understand and view the world from the client’s perspective.
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Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist offers non-judgemental acceptance, supporting the client regardless of what they share.
These conditions create a safe and nurturing space where clients feel empowered to explore their inner selves and make meaningful changes.
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Applications of PCT
Person-Centred Therapy is well-suited for:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship challenges
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Self-esteem issues
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Personal growth and self-exploration
The Goal of PCT
The aim of PCT is to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, fostering greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the ability to make authentic choices. This process encourages personal growth and leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Why Choose PCT?
Person-Centred Therapy is ideal for those seeking a supportive environment to explore their thoughts and emotions. It provides an opportunity for self-discovery, helping you better understand yourself and your unique journey.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your full attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental and accepting way. It encourages openness and receptivity to your current experience, rather than becoming consumed by thoughts about the past or future.
Benefits of Mindfulness
Practising mindfulness has numerous potential benefits, including:
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Reducing stress and anxiety: Helping you feel calmer and more centred.
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Improving focus and concentration: Enhancing your ability to stay present and engaged.
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Increasing self-awareness: Building a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
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Promoting relaxation: Encouraging a sense of peace and balance.
Mindfulness is often integrated into various therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). It is an acceptance-based approach that helps you focus on the present, rather than being pulled into regrets about the past or anxieties about the future.
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Techniques Used in Mindfulness Practice
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Meditation: Guided or self-directed practices to help you focus your awareness and quiet your mind.
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Psychological Safe Spaces: Creating mental imagery of calm, secure environments where you can retreat during moments of stress.
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Breathing Exercises: Using intentional breathwork to anchor yourself in the moment.
Applications of Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be particularly helpful for:
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Anxiety and excessive worrying
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Low mood or depression
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Sleep difficulties
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Managing stress and enhancing overall well-being
Mindfulness offers a compassionate and effective way to cultivate presence and resilience in your daily life, helping you navigate challenges with greater clarity and ease. It’s a powerful tool for fostering emotional balance and creating moments of calm amidst life’s pressures.
NARRATIVE THERAPY
​Narrative Therapy is a collaborative and empowering form of psychotherapy that helps individuals examine and reshape the stories they tell about themselves and their lives. It is rooted in the belief that our identity and sense of self are shaped by the narratives we create from our experiences, and that these stories can influence how we feel, think, and behave.
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What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy focuses on identifying the “dominant” stories or narratives that may be causing distress or making clients feel stuck. These might involve themes around identity, relationships, or personal experiences.
Through a collaborative process, the therapist helps the client to:
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Examine these narratives from different perspectives.
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Challenge problematic or limiting stories.
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"Re-author" their story by finding alternative, more empowering ways to understand their experiences.
Key Principles of Narrative Therapy
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Clients as Experts: Narrative Therapy views clients as the experts in their own lives, with the therapist acting as a supportive guide.
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Externalising Problems: Problems are seen as separate from the individual, reducing feelings of blame or judgement. This perspective allows the client to see the problem as something external that can be addressed and changed.
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Strengths and Resources: Clients are encouraged to recognise their strengths, values, and resources, which can be woven into new, more empowering narratives.
Applications of Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is effective for a variety of mental health challenges, including:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship difficulties
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Trauma recovery
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Identity issues
The Goal of Narrative Therapy
The aim of Narrative Therapy is to help clients develop a more satisfying and empowering narrative of their lives. By understanding problems as separate from themselves, clients can create space for growth and change, fostering greater resilience and self-empowerment.
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Why Choose Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy provides a unique opportunity to reframe your life experiences and discover new perspectives. By working collaboratively with your therapist, you can uncover hidden strengths, challenge unhelpful narratives, and craft a more fulfilling and meaningful story for your life.
Other models are available and I am happy to provide information about them so you can make an informed choice. Please ask
