Therapies with Solve and Evolve Therapies

I believe that no single therapeutic approach can treat every client and situation. Integrative counselling tailor’s therapy interventions, based upon each individual’s needs and their unique circumstances. Using this approach, I am able to carefully consider Individual needs and work holistically with affective, behavioural, cognitive and physiological aspects, as well as any social and spiritual elements.  Whist a diagnosis can be helpful to guide us in using evidenced based treatments and therapies, proven to be effective for specific problems (which I always take into consideration), it does not always consider every aspect of someone’s personality and background; This is what I aim to do with each individual person in therapy. I understand that everyone is different and people do not fit neatly into boxes. I can tailor therapy to suit you, as opposed to trying to fit you into one specific therapy mode.

Some of the therapeutic models and approaches I integrate include, Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Client Centred; Gestalt; Transactional Analysis; Humanistic Therapies; Attachment Theory; Solution Focussed Brief Therapy; Motivational Interviewing; Relational; Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Mindfuless and Relaxation; Imagery or Visualisation; Creative Exercises.
See further information about counselling at Counselling in Primary Care

In CBT we start by exploring the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physiological response. We can then focus on breaking the vicious cycle that you are in, consider what can be changed and identify more helpful patterns of thinking and behaving . CBT is mainly concerned with the impact that things are having upon you in the here and now. Whilst we would consider your past, CBT does not generally explore this in any depth.

Specific difficulties can be discussed and goals are set between us for you to achieve. CBT involves hard work during and between sessions. As with most things in life that we learn, it is the practice which really makes the difference and evidence shows that this is an important factor in treatment outcomes. Using CBT, I will be able to help you decide what difficulties you want to work on, in order to help you improve your situation. I will then be able to advise you on how to continue using CBT techniques in your daily life, after your treatment ends. This is sometimes described as, ‘Teaching you to become your own therapist’.

Research shows that CBT works effectively in treating depression and anxiety disorders and is recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence Guidelines (NICE). NICE provides independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective ways to treat disease and ill health.

See further information regarding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies

During sessions, we'll focus on specific memories while incorporating bilateral stimulation, often through eye movements. This helps your brain reprocess the memories, reducing their emotional charge and promoting healing. It's a collaborative process where we work together to identify and address any negative beliefs associated with those memories, developing more helpful coping mechanisms.

Specific difficulties can be discussed and therapy goals agreed. Remember, EMDR is just one therapeutic approach, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It's crucial for us to discuss this approach, to help us determine whether it's suitable for your specific needs. EMDR therapy is commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but can be effective for various issues, including:

• Trauma and PTSD: EMDR is well-known for its effectiveness in treating trauma, including single-incident traumas or more complex PTSD.
• Anxiety and Phobias: It can help individuals struggling with anxiety disorders or specific phobias by reprocessing associated distressing memories.
• Depression: EMDR may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for depression, especially when rooted in past experiences.
• Panic Attacks: Individuals experiencing panic attacks related to traumatic events may find relief through EMDR.
• Grief and Loss: It can assist in processing the emotions associated with loss and bereavement.
• Performance Anxiety: EMDR may be applied to address anxiety related to performance or specific events.
• Self-Esteem Issues: When negative beliefs about oneself are linked to past experiences, EMDR can help reprocess these beliefs.
• Relationship Issues: It might be incorporated into therapy to address relational difficulties, particularly when past traumas affect current relationships.

It can include support groups, skills training groups (such as sleep hygiene, mindfulness, relaxation training or social skills training for example), and psychoeducation groups.

Having therapy in a group environment can have many benefits as it offers a support network and provides the opportunity to meet others experiencing similar concerns. Together with the therapist and the other group members you should be encouraged to share your experiences and work on understanding yourself better.
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I have Supervised a number of teams of both qualified and trainee Cognitive Behavioural Therapists, as well as Psychological well-being Practitioners and Trainee Social Workers. This has been delivered both individually and in a group setting.

I enjoy this element to my practice and have received a lot of very positive feedback from colleagues and management. This has also been evident within more formal anonymous feedback forms. Staff have reported that they feel comfortable meeting with me and find me approachable, but also congruent and able to provide constructive feedback to enhance their learning.

I have attended the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Supervisor training, as well as additional training, to further develop my skills. I follow the Roth and Pilling Competencies Framework for CBT in depression and anxiety disorders. This framework outlines the activities necessary to carry out CBT effectively and in line with best practice.
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