Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to improve emotional wellbeing. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected, and that by changing one aspect, we can affect the others.
CBT is a structured and goal-oriented approach, with therapy typically lasting between 6 to 20 sessions, depending on the individual’s needs. It involves working closely with a qualified therapist to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
Schema Therapy is designed to address unmet needs and to help clients break these patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, which are often tenacious, and to develop healthier alternatives to replace them. Schema-Focused Therapy has shown remarkable results in helping people to change patterns which they have lived with for a long time, even when other methods and efforts they have tried before have been unsuccessful.
Schema Therapy recognises all aspects of neurophysiology in its approach. Neuroscience teaches us that we each have an inbuilt capacity for growth and healing (Siegel, Daniel J., 2011. “Mindsight: Transform Your Brain with the New Science of Kindness”). A positive, responsive and safe relationship produces chemicals and hormones, which enhance the regulation of emotions, stress and neural firing. The ability of the brain to change itself, coupled with the power of a safe therapeutic relationship, promises fulfillment. They change feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness or general unhappiness and link us to a path towards greater peace.
Many clients who begin schema therapy have sometimes spent years in other types of therapies, gaining valuable insight, but often frustrated by their lack of progress. Schema therapy is especially helpful in treating chronic depression and anxiety and relationship difficulties. It helps to prevent relapse among substance abusers. Schema therapy enables changes in clients who feel hopeless about their self-destructive patterns, because these problematic behaviours may seem so entrenched that they appear to be part of their very identity.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines mindfulness and behavioural strategies to help individuals develop psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility refers to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, be present in the moment, and take action in line with your values. ACT is based on the idea that trying to control or avoid negative thoughts and feelings can inadvertently create more distress, while embracing these experiences can promote greater well-being. ACT focuses on six core processes:
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD that have developed after experiencing a variety of traumatic events including child abuse, combat, rape and natural disasters.
CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.
This treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that was initially developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. This evidence-based treatment is designed to help people who struggle with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviours, and interpersonal relationship issues. DBT is particularly effective for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has also been adapted for other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
DBT focuses on teaching individuals how to manage their emotions, cope with distressing situations, and improve their relationships. It incorporates a combination of individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching to provide comprehensive support for people in need. The therapy is structured around four key modules: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.