Treatments

CBT is a therapeutic approach developed in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron T. Beck. It stems from the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, influencing our overall wellbeing. CBT aims to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve mental health.

Scientific support

Extensive research supports CBT’s efficacy in treating various disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. Its structured nature makes it adaptable for a range of conditions.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing CBT, you can expect a collaborative and goal-oriented process. Sessions typically involve identifying and challenging distorted thought patterns, developing coping strategies, and implementing behavioural changes. Homework assignments may be assigned to reinforce learned skills between sessions. Your psychologist will assist you in developing a better understanding of your thoughts and emotions, equipping you to manage challenges more effectively.

ACT is a therapeutic model developed in the late 20th century by psychologists Steven C. Hayes, Kelly G. Wilson, and Kirk D. Strosahl.

ACT initially emerged as a response to the identified limitations of traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches, aiming to foster psychological flexibility—the ability to be open, adaptable, and effective in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions. In contemporary psychotherapy, the boundaries between ACT and CBT have become more fluid, with clinicians often integrating aspects of both approaches. This blending acknowledges the complementary strengths of each model.

Scientific support

Research supports the effectiveness of ACT across a spectrum of disorders. It has shown promise in treating anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, substance abuse, and even workplace stress. ACT’s emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action contributes to its versatility.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing ACT, you can expect a unique and experiential therapeutic journey. The therapy will encourage you, and teach you ways to accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Your psychologist will also work with you on identifying and committing to actions aligned with their values. This will involve working on clarifying your personal values, setting meaningful goals, and developing skills to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. The overarching goal is not to eliminate distress but to foster a more mindful and value-driven life.

If appropriate and agreed upon, you may also experience a therapeutic approach that combines the practical tools and structured strategies of CBT with the mindfulness and acceptance principles of ACT. This integration allows for a comprehensive treatment, addressing both the modification of maladaptive thought patterns (CBT) and the development of psychological flexibility and acceptance (ACT).

DBT was initially developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan. It was originally designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has since been found effective in treating other conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

Scientific support

Research has shown that DBT can be effective in reducing self-destructive behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing DBT, you can expect a focus on finding a balance between accepting yourself and making positive changes. You will be taught skills in four areas: mindfulness (like being in the moment without overthinking), distress tolerance (handling tough times without flipping out), emotion regulation (managing your feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (getting along better with others).

DBT all about being present, handling crises without making rash decisions, dealing with your emotions, and improving how you relate to people.

EMDR is a therapeutic approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Initially designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories, EMDR has since evolved and gained recognition for its efficacy in treating various psychological conditions.

Scientific support

Research indicates that EMDR is effective in addressing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms. However, its applications have expanded to include other conditions such as anxiety disorders, phobias, and even performance anxiety. The structured eight-phase protocol of EMDR involves assessing and processing traumatic memories, targeting negative beliefs, and fostering adaptive resolution.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing EMDR, you can expect a unique therapeutic process that incorporates bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. Your psychologist will guide you in revisiting distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process aims to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic experiences, enabling you to integrate these memories in a less distressing way. Throughout the sessions, you may experience a gradual desensitisation to traumatic memories and a shift toward more adaptive beliefs and emotions.

CBT-E is a specific form of CBT, developed by Christopher Fairburn. It specifically targets eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. CBT-E is rooted in the understanding that eating disorders are complex conditions involving cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects.

Scientific support

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT-E across a range of eating disorders. It has been found to be particularly beneficial in reducing symptoms, improving body image, and addressing underlying factors contributing to disordered eating behaviours.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing CBT-E, you can expect a focused and structured therapeutic process. The treatment involves identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts related to body image, food, and weight. Additionally, you may work on developing healthier coping mechanisms and addressing underlying emotional issues contributing to your eating disorder. The therapy aims to help you foster a more balanced and adaptive relationship with food, promoting sustainable recovery. Regular assessments and collaborative goal-setting are integral components, ensuring a tailored and evidence-based approach to address your unique challenges.

MANTRA is a therapeutic approach developed as an adaptation of the Maudsley Family-Based Treatment (FBT), which initially focused on adolescents. Developed by Dr. Ivan Eisler and his colleagues, MANTRA is specifically designed for adult individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa.

Scientific support

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of MANTRA in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. It combines elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, psychodynamic principles, and systemic family therapy. The approach acknowledges the complexity of anorexia nervosa, addressing both cognitive and interpersonal factors that contribute to the maintenance of the eating disorder.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing MANTRA, you can expect a multifaceted and collaborative therapeutic process. The treatment will involve exploring the meaning and function of your eating disorder, fostering awareness of core beliefs about yourself and others, and addressing interpersonal difficulties. Your psychologist will work with you to understand the emotional and interpersonal factors contributing to anorexia nervosa while also integrating cognitive restructuring and behavioural interventions.

One distinctive aspect of MANTRA is the involvement of significant others, such as family members or partners, in the therapeutic process. This collaborative approach aims to enhance support and understanding within your social network.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT), also known as the Maudsley Approach, is a therapeutic intervention designed for the treatment of anorexia nervosa, particularly in adolescents.

Scientific Support

FBT is considered a first-line treatment for adolescent anorexia due to its family-centred and evidence-based nature. It acknowledges the critical role of the family in the recovery process and aims to empower both the individual and their family members.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing FBT, you can expect a team-oriented approach, involving the whole family. The therapy will start with a collaborative assessment and providing education about anorexia. There are Three Phases of FBT. Phase 1 focuses on parents overseeing meals for weight restoration, while regular family meetings offer support and goal-setting. In Phase 2, control gradually shifts back to the individual. FBT emphasizes developmental tasks, encourages collaborative problem-solving, and is flexible to each family’s dynamics. Phase III of Family-Based Therapy (FBT) is about gradually giving back control to the person who had anorexia. The goal is to increase their independence and confidence in managing their eating and daily life.

CPT is a therapeutic approach, developed by Dr. Patricia Resick and her colleagues in the late 1980s as a targeted intervention for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Grounded in cognitive-behavioural principles, CPT aims to address the cognitive distortions and negative beliefs that often accompany traumatic experiences.

Scientific support

Extensive research supports the efficacy of CPT in the treatment of PTSD. It has been shown to be effective across diverse populations, including veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma. CPT is recognized for its ability to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing CPT, you can expect a structured and evidence-based therapeutic process. The treatment typically consists of 12 sessions, with a focus on understanding and challenging maladaptive beliefs related to the traumatic event. You will engage in writing exercises, including writing about the impact that the trauma has had on you. Your psychologist will guide you through discussions and exercises aimed at modifying negative thought patterns and promoting changes in thinking. The goal is to help you make sense of your trauma, reduce avoidance behaviours, and develop healthier coping strategies, ultimately fostering a path towards post-traumatic growth and recovery.

PE is a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Edna B. Foa, a renowned psychologist, pioneered PE in the 1980s, drawing on principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). The approach is rooted in the idea that confronting avoided memories and situations can lead to a reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Scientific support

Research consistently supports the efficacy of PE in treating PTSD. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviours, and overall symptom severity. PE has been particularly successful in addressing trauma resulting from various experiences, including combat, sexual assault, and accidents.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing PE, you can expect a structured and focused therapeutic process. The treatment typically consists of 8-15 sessions, and it involves two primary components: imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure. Imaginal exposure entails revisiting and recounting the traumatic memory in detail, helping to process and habituate the emotional distress associated with it. In vivo exposure involves gradually facing situations or activities that have been avoided due to trauma-related fears.

Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to develop a hierarchy of feared situations and guide you through gradual, exposure exercises. The goal is to reduce avoidance behaviours and facilitate emotional processing, leading to a decrease in PTSD symptoms over time. While the process can be challenging, the structured nature of PE, combined with your psychologist’s support, will help you navigate the journey toward symptom relief and post-traumatic growth.

ERP is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy designed to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphia. The therapy, developed by psychologists Edna B. Foa and Michael J. Kozak, is grounded in the understanding that repeated exposure to feared thoughts or situations, coupled with the prevention of compulsive responses, can lead to a reduction in OCD and Body Dysmorphia symptoms.

Scientific support

Research consistently supports the efficacy of ERP in the treatment of OCD. It has been shown to be highly effective in reducing obsessions, compulsions, and overall symptom severity. ERP is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment due to its targeted focus on breaking the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing ERP, you can expect a structured and systematic therapeutic process. The treatment will involve collaboratively identifying and creating a hierarchy of your feared situations or thoughts. You will then gradually be exposed to these situations or thoughts, initially starting with less distressing items and progressing to more challenging ones. Crucially, your psychologist will guide you to refrain from engaging in compulsive rituals or avoidance behaviours during and after exposure.

While initially anxiety-provoking, the systematic exposure will allow you to habituate to your fears, leading to a decrease in the intensity of obsessions and compulsions over time. Your psychologist will work closely with you to provide support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the process. The goal of ERP is to help you develop a more adaptive response to intrusive thoughts and reduce the impact of OCD on your life.

Strength-based therapy focuses on identifying and building upon an individual’s strengths, resources, and resilience rather than solely addressing weaknesses or problems.

Scientific support

There is scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of strength-based approaches in therapy. Positive psychology, which is closely aligned with strength-based approaches, has gained recognition as a field of study. Researchers like Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson have explored the impact of positive emotions, character strengths, and overall wellbeing.

What to expect as a client

In strength-based therapy, you can expect a collaborative and positive approach that focuses on identifying and leveraging your unique strengths, skills, and resources. You will engage in collaborative assessment, goal setting, and the exploration of positive experiences. You can expect a focus on cultivating resilience and positive psychology exercises to empower you in achieving your goals.

Schema Therapy, developed by Dr. Jeffrey E. Young in the 1980s, is a therapeutic approach that integrates cognitive-behavioural techniques with psychodynamic principles. It focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive schemas—deep-seated, enduring patterns of thought and behaviour that develop in response to unmet emotional needs in childhood.

Scientific support

Research supports the effectiveness of Schema Therapy in treating a range of mental health issues, including personality disorders, chronic depression, and other longstanding emotional difficulties. The comprehensive nature of the therapy, addressing core underlying patterns, contributes to its efficacy.

What to expect as a client

If undergoing psychological intervention incorporating Schema Therapy principles, you can expect a thorough exploration of your early life experiences, identifying maladaptive schemas and associated coping mechanisms. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to understand how these schemas impact your current thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The therapeutic process is often more extended than traditional short-term therapies, allowing for a deeper exploration of ingrained patterns and the integration of new, adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach aimed at helping couples strengthen their relationships and navigate challenges effectively. Drawing on extensive research spanning several decades, the Gottmans have identified key factors that contribute to relationship success and devised practical interventions to enhance communication, understanding, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Scientific support

Research on the Gottman Method has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in promoting positive relationship outcomes. The Gottmans’ groundbreaking work includes the identification of “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”—destructive communication patterns that can erode relationships—and the development of interventions to counteract these patterns. Studies have shown that couples who engage in Gottman Method interventions often experience improved communication, increased emotional connection, and better conflict resolution skills.

What to expect as a client

As a couple undergoing Gottman Method, you can expect a structured and collaborative therapeutic process. Initial sessions will involve a comprehensive assessment to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for growth within your relationship. Your psychologist will work with you to explore your unique dynamics and provide feedback based on Gottman’s research-based assessments.

As a couple, you will learn practical skills and strategies to navigate disagreements constructively, build friendship and connection, and create shared meaning in your relationship.

A distinctive aspect of the Gottman Method is its emphasis on ongoing skill-building and reinforcement. As a couple, you will be encouraged to practice the tools learned in therapy between sessions, fostering long-term positive changes.