Therapeutic Approach
It is important to utilize the therapeutic style which works for you, which is why I may gravitate towards different approaches for different people.
Read below for a brief description of the main theories I use.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT focuses on developing skills such as mindfulness and acceptance to confront our struggles head on. Sometimes when feelings are difficult we might avoid looking at them and this can intensify our problems. If we can develop mindfulness (see below on the right) and self-compassion (among other things), it can help us cope with those 'negative' experiences and emotions.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
ARTherapy is a relatively new treatment which has been shown to be effective for a variety of concerns such as trauma, anxiety, and grief in 1-5 sessions. It combines a variety of evidence-based techniques such as eye-movement, exposure and voluntary image replacement.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
CBT focuses on the interaction of our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. If we can recognize these more frequently, we can begin to understand our reactions and alter them if they are unhelpful. CBT utilizes tools such as thought journalling and thought records to identify underlying beliefs and dispute unhelpful thinking.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy states that we all have a personal narrative which guides our life. Sometimes when this story is created, we develop an unhelpful plot line which may need to be re-written. It is important to recognize the meaning we attach to our experiences and if that meaning is true.
Mindfulness
If we could take a second to imagine we are standing at the edge of this snowy lake. In that moment, we notice the cool air, hear the crunch of people walking on the snow, feel the ground beneath our feet and see the breathtaking mountainside. This is mindfulness. Being present in the moment and pulling ourselves out of the past and future. It takes practice and patience but helps us learn acceptance.
Self-Compassion
We often hear of compassion towards others and find it easy to offer. However, when it comes to our own moments of struggle, we might find it difficult to use those same skills of kindness, understanding, commonality and acceptance. Building self-compassion can help use move away from the self-judgement and self-blame so many of us experience.