Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive theory suggests that psychological distress is caused by distorted thoughts that give rise to distressed emotions. CBT is a method that identifies and helps a person to correct specific errors in what he or she is thinking that produce negative or painful feelings. Cognitive-behavioural therapies have often proved especially helpful to clients suffering from depression, anxiety, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Schema Therapy

Includes assessment and psycho education, and the use of cognitive, behavioural and experiential strategies. The goals of Schema Therapy are: to help stop using self-defeating core themes or patterns that we keep repeating throughout our lives; to heal the pain of unmet childhood needs; to learn how to turn out of self-defeating ways of being as quickly as possible; and to get our emotional needs met in everyday life.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a dialectical (two part) process which balances change (skills training, problem solving, contingency management, exposure etc) with acceptance and validation based treatment strategies. The approach holds the view that finding the truth or utility in alternative, even seemingly contradictory positions, is sometimes essential for change.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a form of CBT that also utilises acceptance and mindfulness-based strategies. Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness training which teaches clients to be aware of what is happening in the present moment, while not making judgements about whether we like or don't like what we find. ACT aims to help the individual clarify their personal values and to take action on them, bringing more meaning to their life in the process.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Short term SFBT focuses on what clients want to achieve through therapy rather than on the problems that made them seek help. The therapist works with the strengths of their clients by making the best use of their resources, and it can bring about lasting change precisely because it aims to build solutions rather than 'solve problems'.

Narrative Therapy

Seeks to be a respectful, non-blaming approach to counselling, which centres people as the experts in their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes people have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that will assist them to reduce the influence of problems in their lives.

Motivational Interviewing

A non-judgmental and non-confrontational therapeutic approach which attempts to increase clients' awareness of the potential problems caused, consequences experienced, and risks faced as a result of the behaviour in question. Therapists help clients envisage a better future, and become motivated to achieve it.

Psycho-Education

Based on the notion that the greater the client's understanding of their condition, the more able they are to participate in their own treatment. Therapists seek to educate their clients about possible causes, symptoms and treatment approaches, often resulting in clients gaining a greater sense of control over their life.