1:1 Therapy

My primary therapeutic training is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), however, I also have additional training in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). As such, sessions can be tailored to your needs based on your specific set of difficulties, formulation of your presenting problems and in line with identified goals you have for therapy, and life generally.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy which aims to reduce distress through exploration and formulation of a person’s presenting difficulties. This is undertaken by identifying and understanding the cyclical interaction between thoughts and beliefs (Cognitions), emotional and physical states and our behaviour (Behavioural). These cycles are often repetitive, vicious and distressing in nature and arise in response to challenging situations and events that we are currently (or historically) presented with.

A CBT approach therefore endeavours to break these vicious cycles through equipping and empowering you with the tools and strategies which enable you to confidently address future challenges and lead a fulfilling life, consistent with your goals and values.

Compassion Focused Therapy

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) was developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert through his observations in CBT therapy, that people could often challenge their thoughts but didn’t necessarily feel emotionally differently as a result and that the inner tone was often highly self critical. Dr. Gilbert found that the introduction of compassion “a sensitivity to suffering in ourselves and others, with a commitment to try and alleviate and prevent it” within therapy could be an antidote to such distress. Therefore CFT has developed as a psychotherapeutic approach with the overarching aim of becoming more self compassionate, that is to treat ourselves the same way we would a loved one. It is particularly useful for people experiencing high levels of shame and/or self-criticism.

If you wish to find out more how CBT and CFT could be beneficial for your emotional and psychological wellbeing, please get in touch for a free consultation through the Contact tab.