A creative process.

Art therapy combines talking therapy with the use of art materials such as paint, chalk, crayons and clay. These are used to help people express externally inner emotions without words.  The therapy enables communication of deep emotions and feelings and provides insight into any conflicts that maybe present. A painting, for example, can reveal elements of a person’s perception of reality.

Art therapy enables people to express feelings without words. The inter-relationship of size, shape, line, space, texture, shade, tone, colour and distance all reveal the client’s perception. Creative expression plays an important role in our development. Consequently art therapy assists in recovery of mental distress.

Because art is very expressive, art therapy is ideally suited to people who have difficulty verbally expressing themselves. It is also useful for people who have suffered trauma. Furthermore, it is particularly effective with children, young adults, refugees and people with learning difficulties.

Behavioural therapy is based on the theory that learnt behaviour is a response to past experiences.

The approach believes that a person’s behaviour can be unlearnt and changed without focusing on any reasoning for the behaviour. Focus is therefore completely on a person’s learnt behaviour (conditioning) and how this can be changed. The assumption is that if a behaviour can be learned it can also be unlearnt. Consequently, it is a useful approach when dealing with phobias or addictive behaviour.

A Solution Focussed Therapy

Brief therapy is seen as a solution focussed therapy. It differs from most other therapeutic approaches in that it focuses on one specific problem. The therapist is concerned with exploring current factors that prevent change rather than how the issue came about. It uses a person’s natural resources to enable the consideration of new perspectives.

Brief therapy therefore, does not rely on one specific psychological approach but uses a variety of methods of psychotherapy. The purpose of this is to help a person see their present circumstances in a wider context.

Usually Brief therapy is short term, often in a pre-arranged number of sessions.

Cognitive therapy

CT was developed during the 1960s by Aaron T Beck, an American psychiatrist. It deals with thoughts and perceptions, and how these can affect feelings and behaviour. Individuals overcome difficulties and meet their goals by identifying and reassessing the following:

Negative thoughts

Distressing emotional responses

Problematic behaviour.

During therapy an individual can learn more flexible, positive ways of thinking.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

CAT combines ideas from cognitive therapy and analytic psychology into one model. It involves exploring a person’s past experiences. It also identifies the  links between their language and thinking. Aswell as exploring their historical, cultural and social networks. The therapist will look at how these influence a persons thoughts and behaviour.

The focus therefore is on understanding connections between patterns of behaviour developed in childhood, the input from others, and how this impacts on you as an adult. CAT encourages you to use their own resources in developing new ways of coping and new skills to change destructive patterns of behaviour and negative ways of thinking.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, (CBT)

CBT combines cognitive and behavioural therapies. It focuses on thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions and how they impact on each other. CBT teaches a person to be more aware of each stage of a behaviour or action. In this way you learn how you can break the cycle of a behaviour pattern by recognising and intervening at an earlier stage. It is a useful therapy when dealing with depression or anxiety issues or modifying a behaviour

Dance Therapy also known as Dance, Movement Therapy (DMT}

Founded on the theory that the body and the mind are intertwined and movement reflects a person’s thoughts and feelings. It is an expressive form of psychotherapy. It uses movement and dance as a way of creatively exploring emotional, physical, cognitive and social integration.

Movement is an essential part of who we are so there is no need for a person to be a trained dancer to benefit from dance therapy.

Drama therapy

Another expressive therapy that uses theatrical techniques. For example; role-play, theatre games, mime, puppetry, voice work, myth, ritual, and storytelling. The therapy supports individuals or groups to explore social problems in a creative environment. It facilitates creativity, imagination, insight, and personal growth. Consequently, it allows an individual to safely reflect on existing beliefs, attitudes and emotions.

Drama therapy encourages self-aware, reflection and expression of feelings in relationship to self and others. It is suitable therapy to use in hospitals, schools, mental health centres, prisons and businesses.

EMDR

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the 1980s by American clinical psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro. This therapy is very effective in treating psychological traumas, such as war experiences, natural disasters, road accidents, rape and assault.

As well as treating trauma, EMDR can also help a variety of other problems such as: phantom limb pains, phobias, specific anxieties, sex abuse,  etc. It uses eye movement to stimulate brainwaves that we achieve during REM sleep. As a therapy it can achieve remarkable results in less sessions what other therapies can take years to achieve.

EMDR is unique because it facilitates the processing of information that has become ‘stuck’ in the central nervous system.

Existential psychotherapy

This is considered a humanistic therapy which focuses on self-development, growth and responsibilities. It explores the meaning of certain issues through a philosophical perspective, instead of a technique-based approach. Additionally existential psychotherapy supports a person to make sense of life through the willingness to face it and its problems.

Family Therapy

This therapy is a branch of psychotherapy known as Systemic Therapy. The therapy focuses specifically on family relationships and other close relationships such as couples. It works from the premise that a problem lies within the family as a whole, rather than with a single person within the family. The definition of family is not confined to traditional concepts of family and blood relatives but also includes step families and blended families.

Family therapy encourages change and development, with the combined resolution of family conflicts and problems. The focus is on family interaction and emphasises the importance of a fully functioning family unit.

As a therapist my role would be to engage with you as a family and help you find constructive ways to support each other.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt is a German word which roughly translated means ‘whole’ , being the sum of all parts. The therapy therefore focuses on the whole of a person’s experience, which include their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. A key aspect of gestalt therapy is helping an individual to gain awareness in the here and now.

Gestalt therapy always addresses what is happening in the present moment. It does this by bringing into awareness a person’s understanding of self, and his/her responses and interactions with others. To be fully present in the here and now creates within a person potential for more excitement, energy, and the courage to live life in its fulness. In using this therapy you would be looking at how you resist contact in the here and now. Also how you resist change and specific behaviours or symptoms that you regard as undesirable.

Gestalt techniques often include acting out scenarios and dream recall.

Group Analysis

The intention of group analysis is to achieve a healthier integration of an individual in his or her social networks. This would include the family as well as the community.

Group analysis focuses on the relationship between the person and the rest of the group, it emphasises the social nature of human experience through interaction with others. Commonly, group analysis is applied in areas such as teaching, training and organisational consultancy.

Group psychotherapy

This is for people who would like to improve their ability to cope with life’s difficulties in a group situation.

Group therapy is not based on one single psychotherapeutic theory. It mainly involves talking and often includes  psychodrama, dance, and body psychotherapy. The aim is to support the solving of emotional difficulties and encourage personal development and growth in the participants of the group. The interactions between the members of the group and their past experiences become the material through which therapy is conducted.

Human Givens psychotherapy

This is a relatively new theory which its founders describe as a ‘bio-psycho-social’ approach in psychotherapy. It is based on the assumption that humans have innate needs. These ‘needs’ are called givens and that these need to be met for mental well-being.

This therapy falls under the category of humanistic therapies which focus on self-development and self-growth. The approach seeks to help individuals recognise their inner resources and choices in the here and now.

Hypno-psychotherapy

Hypnosis is used to induce a deep state of heightened relaxation and altered awareness. Whilst in this state the subconscious mind is highly receptive to new or alternative perspectives and ideas. Fundamentally, the subconscious mind is a resource for creativity and wellness. Accessing this part of the mind through hypnosis opens up self-awareness and possibility for health.

Hypno-psychotherapy can be used to modify a person’s behaviour, attitudes and emotions. Furthermore it can be used to manage pain, anxiety, stress related illness and negative habits. It also can be used to promote personal development.

Interpersonal therapy

As its name suggests this therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships. It examines the way we relate to others and the impact this has on our mental wellbeing. The core belief of interpersonal therapy is that psychological symptoms are often a response to the difficulties we have interacting with others. When these interactions are improved, so are the psychological symptoms.

Integrative psychotherapy

This approach draws from a full range of therapies and blends them as deemed appropriate when working with an individual. The purpose is to encourage the development of the person, and their relationship with others and their environment.

As an integrative psychotherapist myself I believe that we are all unique human beings. Therefore our situations and circumstances are also unique to us as individuals. Consequently there is no one therapeutic model that has all the means to work with any one individual in all circumstances. In other words there is no ‘one size fits all’. What works for one person may not necessary work for another person.

no ‘one size fits all’

In integrative psychotherapy both you and I work together in shaping the process of assessment, intervention and evaluation of outcomes. We are a partnership. My work with you is to help you realise your capacity for self-actualisation and responsibility. You will discover choices that enable you to reach your potential for change.

Jungian psychotherapy

A specific branch of psychodynamic therapy that works from the theories of Carl Jung. Jung is considered to be one of the forefathers of psychology. It is a form of psychotherapy that works with the unconscious mind. The aim is to expand consciousness or awareness, towards psychological balance, harmony and wholeness.

This approach examines the deep motivations that are within a person’s psyche which is deep in their unconscious mind. The purpose is to achieve long-lasting change in a person’s personality.

Mindfulness

Originally from Buddhist meditation, mindfulness based therapies are becoming popular tools to help people focus on the present moment. Mindfulness enables you to gain greater awareness of your emotions and improve general well-being. It is a useful approach for those who suffer from anxiety or depressions.

Music therapy

As its name implies music therapy harnesses the power of music in a creative way to  bring about positive change. It can be used for a range of issues, such as autism, dementia and anxiety.

NLP

NLP draws from many areas of psychology and psychotherapy.  According to NLP theory, we all construct our own model of reality. These constructions are called maps. Our maps are influenced by our life experiences and the way we internalise them. Consequently, the theory suggests that each person uses their own map to navigate themselves through life. These maps can promote fulfilment and success as well as being limited and restrictive.

NLP explores the thoughts, beliefs, values and experiences behind the problem we face, or the goals we want to achieve. This allows us to make relevant adjustments to reorganise this ‘map’ accordingly.  NLP reduces limiting beliefs and decisions and helps people overcome emotional and behavioural states.

Object relations therapy

This is a variation of psychoanalytic theory diverging from Freud’s belief that humans are motivated by sexual and aggressive drives. It proposes that human beings are primarily motivated by the need to form relationships. It was first developed by several British analysts among them Melanie Klein, DW Winnicott, WRD Fairbairn and Harry Guntrips.

According to this theory, human beings are always shaped in relation to significant others surrounding them. These ‘others’  are usually a person’s parents or primary caregivers. Additionally, the theory also considers how the  home, art, politics and culture shape and influence us.

These internal representations of self and others acquired during childhood are later played out in adult relations. Individuals repeat old object relationships in an effort to master them and become freed from them.

The focus is to help an individual uncover early mental images that contribute to any present difficulties on their relationships with others. The aim then is to adjust them in ways that improve interpersonal functioning.

Also known as client-centred or Rogerian counselling.

Person-centred counselling focuses on an individual’s values and sense of self-worth. Being valued as a person without criticism or judgement, can help them to accept who they are and reconnect with themselves.

This approach is especially helpful to those people who would like to address a specific habit or pattern of thinking.

Play Therapy

Most adults can express their troubling thoughts and feelings through talking therapies. However, children and young people may find it difficult to put their emotions into words. Play therapy is therefore useful as it helps children communicate their worries at their own level and their own pace. During this process, a play therapist offers valuable support and guidance.

The aim of play therapy is to increase self-esteem and confidence. Children also learn new patterns of thinking and behaviour that makes them more resilient in everyday life.

Psychoanalysis

Founded by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), psychoanalysis deals with the investigation of the unconscious mind. This includes the deep rooted thoughts that often stem from early childhood. It’s aim is to release repressed emotions and experiences.

Unconscious patterns are brought into the awareness to the person undergoing therapy over a number of sessions. Through this process they are able to verbalise thoughts through free associations, dreams or fantasies. With the help of the therapist, the person  learns how to interpret deeply buried distressing memories or experiences with a view to changing them.

Psychodynamic therapy

This therapy is often seen as the oldest of the modern therapies. Its focus is on the unconscious and past experiences to determine current behaviour.

The individual is encouraged to talk about childhood relationships with parents and other significant people. Its purpose is to reveal unconscious content with the aim to alleviate conflict.  During this process, the therapist endeavours to keep his own personality out of the picture. This is so that the client can transfer and project deep feelings about themselves, parents and significant others in their life. Consequently the therapist focuses on the dynamics between the client and themselves.

Psychodynamic therapy tends to be less intensive and briefer than psychoanalysis. Furthermore it also relies more on the interpersonal relationship between client and therapist than do other forms of depth psychology.

This apporach can be used in individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and family therapy. In addition it can be used to understand and work within institutional and organisational contexts.

Psychodrama

This approach uses drama combined with group dynamics and role theory. Its aim is to help clients gain a new perspective through better understanding of their own roles in life. This approach offers a safe space for clients to explore their past, present or future. As clients gain a unique perspective, they are free to explore new solutions to challenges they’re facing.

Psychosexual therapy

Also known as PST, it is a treatment by a qualified practitioner which addresses a sexual dysfunction or emotional block within a relationship. PST is a behavioural programme which openly explores and discusses the sexual problem and looks at emotional blocks for the couple.

Psycho-synthesis

This approach was developed by Italian psychiatrist, Roberto Assagiouli (1888-1974). Psychosynthesis is considered an existential psychology with spiritual goals and concepts. It is sometimes described as “psychology of the soul”, as it aims to discover a higher, spiritual level of consciousness. Through painting, movement and other techniques, different aspects of the personality are recognised and valued.

Reality Therapy

Differs from conventional psychotherapy as it focuses on realism, responsibility, and right-and-wrong, rather than symptoms. It is a therapy of what is going on in the here and now rather than issues from the past. It was developed in the 1960s by William Glasser

Relational psychotherapy

This therapy explores client relationship patterns, both inside and outside of the therapy room. The therapy focuses on the the interaction between therapist and client and how this relates to the issues in the clients life.

Therapists who take a relational approach understand that person-to-person relating is one of the most central motivations that people have. Hence why it can also be what brings many individuals to therapy.

A type of Systemic Therapy

Relationship counselling comes under the umbrella of systemic therapy. It enables people to recognise and better manage or reconcile troublesome differences. It also help to deal with repetitious patterns of distress within their relationship(s). Relationship Counselling is a process of counselling that includes all the parties involved.

During therapy, each individual will explore their feelings, values and expectations. The aim is to focus on encouraging positive and effective communication and problem solving.

Relationship counselling is for family members, couples, employees or employers in a workplace, as well as professionals and their clients.

Solution focussed therapy

Developed in America in the 1980s by husband and wife team Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. Solution-focused therapy is also known as brief therapy. It focuses on a particular issue and promotes positive change, rather than dwelling on the issue or past problems. An individual is encouraged to focus positively on what he or she does well. This includes their strengths and resources.

It is solution-based rather than problem-solving. This therapy is a short-term therapy as three or four sessions may be beneficial. It is especially helpful to those who are goal-orientated and have a desire to change.

Systemic therapies

This is a generic term for therapy dealing with people in relationship to one another. Such therapies include relationship therapy, family therapy and group therapy. Its focus is on the interactions of groups, and their patterns and dynamics.

The therapy focuses on identifying stagnant patterns of behaviour within the family or group. It then seeks to address those patterns directly rather than exploring cause or assigning diagnosis.

Transactional analysis was created by Eric Berne in the 1950s.

TA deviates from Freudian psychoanalysis. Berne defines the three different ego states (id, ego and superego)  as the parent, adult and child.  These parts converse with one another in ‘transactions’ and, within each social interaction, one self (part) predominates. Therefore by recognising these roles, people can choose which part to adopt and so adjust behaviour.

This form of therapy works with the term inner child to describe unfulfilled needs from their childhood.

The therapy focuses on identifying stagnant patterns of behaviour within the family or group. It  seeks to address those patterns directly rather than exploring cause or assigning diagnosis.

Transpersonal psychotherapy

The word transpersonal means ‘beyond the personal’. It is a description of any form of counselling or psychotherapy which emphasises spiritual aspects of the human experience. Often accompanies other schools of psychology including psychoanalysis, behaviourism and humanistic psychology.

Therapy focuses on spiritual self-development. This includes mystical experiences, systemic trance and other metaphysical experiences. The ultimate goal of transpersonal psychotherapy is not just alleviation of suffering. It also aims to integrate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of an individual’s wellbeing. Also it  includes the exploration and focus of the client’s potential, and the development of inner resources and creativity.