My Approach

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on finding solutions to problems rather than exploring their causes. It is a brief therapy approach that typically lasts for a few sessions or up to 12 sessions. SFT is based on the idea that people have the resources and strengths to solve their own problems, and the therapist's role is to facilitate their discovery and utilization of these resources. In SFT, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify and build on their strengths and to create a clear and achievable vision of their desired future. One of the key principles of SFT is the "miracle question," which asks the client to imagine what their life would be like if their problem were suddenly solved overnight, and how they would know that it had been solved. The therapist then helps the client to identify and amplify any steps they have already taken towards this outcome and to develop concrete goals and plans to achieve it. Another key technique used in SFT is scaling, in which the client is asked to rate their progress towards their goal on a scale of 1 to 10, and then to identify what would need to happen to move one step closer to a 10. The therapist then helps the client to build on the steps they have taken and to identify any obstacles or barriers that may need to be addressed. SFT has been shown to be effective in a range of contexts, including mental health, addiction, and relationship problems. It is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches and can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Mindfulness therapy is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the practice of mindfulness as a way to improve mental health and well-being. It is based on the principles of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental and accepting way. In mindfulness therapy, the therapist helps the client to develop and cultivate mindfulness skills through a range of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness. The goal is to help the client become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, and to develop a more accepting and compassionate attitude towards themselves and their experiences. One of the key principles of mindfulness therapy is the concept of "thoughts are not facts." This means that the therapist helps the client to recognize that their thoughts are not necessarily accurate reflections of reality, and that they do not have to believe or act on them. Instead, the client is encouraged to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, and to develop a more flexible and adaptive response to them. Mindfulness therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. It is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches and can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals, couples, and groups. Overall, mindfulness therapy can be a helpful approach for individuals who are looking to improve their mental health and well-being, and who are interested in developing a more mindful and accepting approach to their experiences.

Narrative therapy is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the power of storytelling in shaping our lives and identities. It is based on the idea that our experiences are shaped by the stories we tell about ourselves and our relationships, and that we can change our lives by changing these stories. In narrative therapy, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to explore the stories they tell about their lives and to identify the dominant themes, values, and beliefs that underlie them. The therapist helps the client to question and challenge these dominant narratives, and to create new, more empowering stories that reflect their values and strengths. One of the key techniques used in narrative therapy is externalizing the problem. This involves separating the person from the problem and viewing the problem as a separate entity that can be examined and challenged. For example, instead of saying "I am depressed," the client might say "I am experiencing depression," which allows for a more objective and less stigmatizing view of the problem. Another important technique in narrative therapy is re-authoring, which involves creating new and more empowering stories about the client's life and experiences. This can involve identifying alternative interpretations of events, reframing negative experiences in a positive light, and highlighting the client's strengths and resources. Narrative therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. It is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches and can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and groups. Overall, narrative therapy can be a helpful approach for individuals who are looking to explore and challenge the stories they tell about their lives and relationships, and who are interested in creating new, more empowering narratives that reflect their values and strengths.

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they influence each other. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that typically lasts for 12-20 sessions, although the length of treatment can vary depending on the individual's needs and goals. In CBT, the therapist helps the client to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to their emotional distress or problematic behaviors. The client learns to recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, and to develop new coping strategies and skills. One of the key principles of CBT is that our thoughts and beliefs can have a powerful impact on our emotions and behaviors. For example, if we have negative thoughts about ourselves or our abilities, this can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression and can interfere with our ability to function effectively in our daily lives. Through CBT, the client learns to identify and challenge these negative thoughts and beliefs, and to develop more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. Another important principle of CBT is that our behavior can influence our thoughts and feelings. For example, if we engage in activities that are enjoyable or rewarding, this can improve our mood and sense of well-being. Through CBT, the client learns to identify and change problematic behaviors, and to develop new, more adaptive behaviors that support their goals and values. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. It is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches and can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and groups. Overall, CBT can be a helpful approach for individuals who are looking to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior, and who are interested in developing new coping strategies and skills to improve their emotional well-being and quality of life.

Family therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication, relationships, and problem-solving within families. The goal of family therapy is to help family members understand each other's perspectives, learn new skills, and work together to overcome challenges and achieve greater emotional well-being. Family therapy typically involves multiple family members, although individual sessions may also be included as needed. The therapist works with the family to identify and address any issues that may be impacting their relationships and functioning, such as communication difficulties, conflicts, behavioral problems, mental health issues, or life changes. Family therapy is often based on the idea that family dynamics and relationships can have a powerful impact on individual behavior and emotional well-being. By improving communication and relationships within the family, family therapy can help individuals to better manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. The therapist may use a variety of techniques in family therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and structural therapy. The approach used will depend on the specific needs and goals of the family. Family therapy can be helpful for families experiencing a wide range of challenges, such as marital conflicts, parenting issues, mental health problems, addiction, grief, and trauma. By working together with a therapist, families can develop new skills and strategies to improve their relationships, reduce conflict, and achieve greater emotional well-being.

Adolescent and child therapy, also known as child and adolescent counseling, is a type of therapy that is designed specifically for children and teenagers. The goal of adolescent and child therapy is to help young people to overcome emotional, behavioral, and social challenges, and to support their overall mental health and well-being. Adolescent and child therapy is typically delivered by licensed therapists who have specialized training in working with children and teenagers. The therapist works with the young person to identify and address any issues that may be impacting their emotional and behavioral functioning, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflicts, or social difficulties. Adolescent and child therapy typically involves a variety of techniques, including play therapy, art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family therapy. The specific approach used will depend on the age of the child, their individual needs and goals, and their preferences. Adolescent and child therapy can be helpful for children and teenagers who are experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and grief. By working with a therapist, young people can learn new coping skills, develop greater self-awareness and resilience, and improve their relationships with family members, peers, and teachers. Overall, adolescent and child therapy can be a helpful approach for supporting the emotional and behavioral well-being of young people, and can provide a safe and supportive space for them to work through their challenges and achieve their goals.

Partner therapy, also known as couples therapy or couples counseling, is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication, intimacy, and problem-solving within romantic relationships. The goal of partner therapy is to help couples overcome challenges, build stronger relationships, and enhance their overall well-being. Partner therapy typically involves both partners attending therapy sessions together. The therapist works with the couple to identify and address any issues that may be impacting their relationship, such as communication difficulties, conflicts, trust issues, infidelity, sexual problems, or life transitions. Partner therapy is often based on the idea that relationships can have a powerful impact on individual emotional well-being. By improving communication and intimacy within the relationship, partner therapy can help individuals to better manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. The therapist may use a variety of techniques in partner therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and the Gottman Method. The specific approach used will depend on the needs and goals of the couple. Partner therapy can be helpful for couples experiencing a wide range of challenges, such as marital conflicts, communication difficulties, sexual issues, infidelity, and trust issues. By working together with a therapist, couples can develop new skills and strategies to improve their relationship, reduce conflict, and achieve greater emotional well-being.

My approach to assisting clients is to firstly listen, with all my heart - with no judgement, then to follow with the therapy I feel the client will embrace for their situation and personality.

I am trained in the following disciplines:

Solution-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness
Narrative Therapy
Social Relationship Therapy
CBT
Relaxation Therapy
Women's Life Skills
Family Therapy
Rogerian Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Adolescent and Child Therapy
Partner Therapy

Women's life skills therapy is a type of therapy that is designed specifically for women and focuses on developing practical skills and strategies to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. The goal of women's life skills therapy is to help women build resilience, increase self-confidence, and develop a greater sense of control over their lives. Women's life skills therapy typically covers a range of topics, including communication skills, stress management, time management, assertiveness training, self-care, and relationship skills. The therapy is often delivered in a group setting, allowing women to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges and to learn from each other's experiences. Women's life skills therapy is based on the idea that women face unique challenges and stressors in their lives, such as gender inequality, discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, and balancing work and family life. By developing practical skills and strategies to navigate these challenges, women can improve their overall well-being and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives. Women's life skills therapy can be helpful for women who are experiencing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, career transitions, and life changes such as divorce or becoming a parent. By learning practical skills and strategies to cope with these challenges, women can develop greater resilience and self-confidence, and improve their overall quality of life.

Relaxation therapy is a type of therapy that involves learning and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress, anxiety, and other forms of emotional and physical tension. The goal of relaxation therapy is to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which can improve overall health and well-being. There are many different relaxation techniques used in relaxation therapy, including deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and meditation. These techniques can help to reduce muscle tension, slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Relaxation therapy is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other forms of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, or medication. It can be helpful for a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, and sleep disorders. One of the benefits of relaxation therapy is that it can be practiced at home or in any setting, and it can be a helpful way to manage stress and anxiety in everyday life. By learning and practicing relaxation techniques regularly, individuals can develop a greater sense of control over their thoughts and emotions, and improve their overall quality of life. Overall, relaxation therapy can be a helpful approach for individuals who are looking to reduce stress and anxiety, and who are interested in developing new coping strategies and skills to improve their emotional and physical well-being.

Social relationship therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on improving social skills and relationships with others. The goal of social relationship therapy is to help individuals develop stronger, more fulfilling relationships with friends, family members, colleagues, and romantic partners. Social relationship therapy typically involves a combination of individual and group therapy sessions. In individual therapy, the therapist works with the individual to identify and address any issues that may be impacting their social relationships, such as social anxiety, low self-esteem, or poor communication skills. In group therapy, the individual has the opportunity to practice new social skills and behaviors in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. The focus of social relationship therapy is on building healthy, positive relationships based on effective communication, empathy, and mutual respect. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to help the individual develop these skills, including role-playing exercises, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness-based practices. Social relationship therapy can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing a range of social and emotional difficulties, including social anxiety, shyness, low self-esteem, difficulty making friends, and relationship problems. By learning new social skills and developing greater self-awareness and empathy, individuals can improve their social relationships and enhance their overall quality of life.