psychotherapy

introduction

There are numerous definitions for psychotherapy, though it is most commonly thought of as being the non-medicinal treatment of psychological disorders and occurs within a structured encounter between a qualified psychotherapist and the client. It broadly comes under the category of what are called “talking” therapies and is used to address the damaging effects of illnesses, or afflictions, such as Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress, Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders and Panic Attacks. It is also highly effective in solving relationship problems and overcoming recent loss.

Psychotherapy originated from the theories of Sigmund Freud but now encompasses many different techniques, three of which (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, Gestalt Psychotherapy and Neuro-linguistic Programming)) are primarily utilised in our centre.

Our approach differs somewhat from Freud, who believed that most disorders have their origins in various degrees of sexual frustration and disturbances though, like all therapists, we acknowledge the fact that since Freud originated the idea of the unconscious mind and that all humans are made up of different components, the treatment of clients has progressed from inhuman, almost barbaric, practices to the deeply humane.

There are a number of techniques that we utilise during the therapeutic session, and these will depend on the nature of the problem and the particular mind-set of the individual. Three of the main techniques are as follows:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is perhaps the most widely used therapeutic technique, particularly within the NHS and is seen by many governmental and health bodies as the most effective treatment for psychological disturbances.  We feel this is a little unfair to other, equally valid, treatments yet its value is beyond question and is one of the three principal techniques that we utilise in our practice.

Dr Aaron Beck, the founder of CBT, believed that an individual’s emotional response to an event or experience was determined by the conscious meaning s/he placed on it. He often quoted Epictetus, a Greek stoic philosopher who lived in 1st Century Rome, who believed that “people are not disturbed by things, but merely of the view that they take of them”

The focus of CBT is on the thoughts, beliefs, images and attitudes that you hold (cognitive processes, or schemas – described by Beck as being developed early in life from personal experiences and identifications with significant others, and reinforced by further learning experiences and the way these relate to the way you behave) These processes are looked at from the perspective of what evidence supports them and whether they lead to functional, or dysfunctional behaviour. CBT reframing involves changing the meanings placed on events so that more reasonable emotional reactions and behaviours follow.

Gestalt Psychotherapy

In Gestalt psychotherapy, you will be encouraged to explore your emotional and physical responses to your problem in a safe, non-judgemental environment. In partnership with the therapist, you will gain the courage to make what you deem to be satisfying choices that will lead to a newly-found inner confidence which will give you the strength to cope with anything that is (metaphorically, of course!) thrown at you. You will learn how events from your past may still be impacting on your present circumstances and you will, together with the therapist, devise new patterns of response that will give you more satisfying results.

To help foster this awareness, we may use a number of different techniques, perhaps the best known of which is Psychodrama – a highly effective practice which will involve you  facing an empty chair or space and speaking to another “person” whom you may have unresolved issues with.

Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP)

Neuro-lingustic Programming (NLP) is a well-known set of principals and beliefs and is based on a set of key pre-suppositions (or Beliefs of Excellence) that can be summarised as follows:

If someone can do something, it can be modeled and taught to anyone.

We already have all the resources we need to change our lives.

Behind every behaviour is a positive intention.

There is no such thing as failure – only feedback.

We cannot fail to communicate.

In any system, the element with the most flexibility exerts the most influence.

Some NLP techniques involve:

Reframing: The frame of a reference of a problem is changed to alter it’s meaning (for example, having problems with your back means you need time off work but also means you will undertake specific exercises that are beneficial to your long-term health)

Anchoring: A stimulus like, for example, giving a speech that is linked to a reaction (imagined crowd applause) which the stimulus regularly triggers

Mirroring: Adopting a “successful” person’s behaviour (facial expressions, body language)

As if: We will imagine a future event in your life that is already over. This is an excellent technique to combat anxiety and has the added bonus of being a great deal of fun!

the initial consultation

This is our first meeting and allows us to get to know each other. It is generally an hour in duration and will start with the therapist asking you for a few details.

We will then cover areas such as confidentiality, the therapist's qualifications, our contact boundaries, what you have come to see us about and the treatment plan the therapist feels will best work for you based on the information you have offered. (the therapist will ask when the problem started and the symptoms involved, why it is a problem to you, what impact it has on your life and previous treatments, if any, undertaken) general overviews of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, how many sessions the therapist feels you will need and the cost involved.

We are confident you will find it a very interesting and informative experience.