Therapy information:

Links:

My Therapy Model

I use an Integrative therapy model which means that I have a variety of psychological and therapeutic approaches and 'tools' available to introduce, if appropriate. I start with a Person Centred approach and may integrate aspects of the following:

Transactional Analysis,
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Acceptance/Commitment,
Dialectic Behavioural Therapy,
Neuro Linguistic Programming & the Rewind Technique.
Breath and control of the nervous system through focussed breathing.

I also use creative methods where appropriate and if you are comfortable to do so. With children/young people I may draw on more creative and play-oriented processes rather than relying purely on one-to-one discussion.

I am also qualified to offer couples therapy.

Person Centred: (My model is rooted in the Person-Centred approach)

My role in this approach is to understand your experience from your perspective - to walk with you in your shoes, so to speak, as we make a journey through understanding your situation, moving towards fulfilling your full potential. I will do my best to offer congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Transactional Analysis:

Transactional analysis (TA) is a psychoanalytic approach where conversations or thought processes (transactions) are analysed tin terms of "ways of being" - Parent, Adult or Child. Understanding the 'way of being' or 'state' is helpful in understanding particular behaviour, responses to others, or positions taken. TA may also look at personal 'drivers' (what makes us who we are) and 'games people play'.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and various derivations of CBT tend to focus on your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. There can be a focus on unhelpful patterns of thinking or 'cognitive distortions'. CBT is helpful in working with a wide variety of mental health difficulties; sometimes incorporating visualisation and in-vivo exposure.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I):

CBT-I has been specifically developed to help people who are experiencing difficulties with sleep.

Dialectic Behavioural Therapy:

Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) was developed by the psychologist Marsha Linehan to help with treating people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Since its development, it has also been used for the treatment of other kinds of mental health problems; the key skills of distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness are ones that I use very often in quite a variety of contexts - it's an incredibly effective therapy.

Neuro Linguistic Programming & the Rewind Technique:

I use some degree of NLP within the visualisation and relaxation work that I offer, in particular the use of modalities and submodalities. The Rewind Technique can be very helpful in overcoming trauma, PTSD and also for overcoming phobias. More information can be found here.

Breath and Control of the Nervous System:

The way we breathe has a huge impact on our nervous system - and the opposite can be true too - our nervous system can affect the way we breathe. As an experienced freediver I regularly practice breath-control to help reduce heart-rate and to promote relaxation; I use the Yogabody breathing techniques within my work and may introduce you to "Coffee, Water and Whiskey" breathing techniques.

Practice Particulars:

Whilst my practice requires that I am able to help people with a wide variety of mental health difficulties, the following are areas that I work with regularly or can particularly help with:

Depression
Anxiety, panic attacks, stress, Self Esteem
Phobias
Trauma, PTSD, Dissociation
OCD
Sleep problems
Anger
Relationships
Current or historical sexual, psychological or physical abuse
Borderline Personality Disorder

The above is a really superficial overview of my practice; since every person is unique and has experienced life in a unique way, I don't have any formula or fixed way of working, but rather I offer the elements that I think are most helpful for you in your situation.