PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS

 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health. It is an effective treatment approach for a range of mental and emotional issues; including trauma, anxiety and depression. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitions (thoughts) and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies. It   targets solving current problems. CBT can be good for anyone who needs support to challenge unhelpful thoughts that are preventing them from reaching their goals or living the life they want to live.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) aims to help promote mental and emotional healing by encouraging people in treatment to be more aware and empathic toward themselves and other people. Compassion, both toward the self and toward others, is an emotional response understood to be an essential aspect of well-being. It gives the client the opportunity to explore (difficult) inner experiences with understanding, safety, and warmth which in turn reduces anxiety and depression. CFT is offered as an intervention for mood disorders, particularly those high in self-criticism. It can be a useful approach for trauma work. 

  [EMDR] is an evidence-based, highly effective trauma treatment; including treatment for PTSD. It is based on the idea that negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the result of unprocessed memories. Whilst in the processing stage of therapy, bilateral stimulation of both the left and right hemisphere's of the brain facilitate the client's processing of traumatic memory,  images, beliefs, and physiological symptoms connected to it. EMDR enables clients to gain new and more empowered perspectives, which can facilitate improved self esteem and enhance your personal beliefs about your capabilities.

   Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to help clients identify the dominant stories of their lives and whether these serve their best interests. Narrative Therapy draws attention to how people make sense of their experiences and assists in changing their relationship with problems affecting their lives. It focuses on  values and the actions taken that are in keeping with a person's values.  It provides the client with knowledge of their ability to live according to their values, so they can effectively be more aware of who they are and what is important to them.  

 Mindfulness can be described as the practice of paying alert attention in the present moment, doing it with intention and non-judgmentally.  Mindfulness is deliberate conscious awareness; observing one’s thoughts and feelings without over-identifying with them or judging them as good or bad. Mindfulness meditation practices increase our ability to focus, have more control over our mind and body's activities, live mindfully and more aligned. It is a state of being that encourages us to slow down, focus on the present, accept things as they are and choose our path. 

 DBT is an evidence-based third wave therapy, evolved from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). It is a form of talking therapy centered on helping clients accept themselves fully and at the same time, change what is not working for them. It focuses on control over thoughts, emotions (especially intense emotions) and behaviours. It aims to create effective inter-personal communication and creating a life worth living. DBT can be useful in treating mood disorders, emotional regulation difficulties and for change in behavioral patterns that are persistently working against you.