Our Approach to Therapy

We work flexibly using an evidence-based model, or combination of models, which are individualised to work best for our clients and help them feel empowered during their therapeutic journey. We particularly utilise techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, relational therapies, trauma-focussed therapies (including EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

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We are proud to name ourselves as a Trauma-Informed Practice and don't just use this as a buzzword - it is at the core of everything we do and we encourage our clients to share any initiatives or comments which could improve our service.

Being trauma-informed means that we support people with a range of experiences and difficulties, including supporting adults and adolescents with symptoms and experiences of trauma, anxiety, relational difficulties, and unusual beliefs or experiences (sometimes called ‘psychosis’). As trauma-informed practitioners we believe that we all find the best way of coping and surviving with situations the best we can at that time. Our responses make complete sense when we understand what has happened or is happening to someone, even if they appear unusual or random. We can make sense of this together to prevent past events affecting the way you want to live your life now. Rather than asking "what's wrong with you?" we ask "what's happened to you?" and help clients make sense of how the past links with the present.

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In our therapy sessions, we will identify the patterns which unintentionally maintain the problem, and find ways together of living life differently so that you feel much more empowered and fulfilled. You may wish to focus on ‘here and now’ difficulties, you may want to make sense of things which have happened to you, or you may want to try a combination of these. This is completely up to you.

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In our assessment session you will have opportunity to discuss any fears, concerns, or questions you have about therapy. We also encourage you to share any adjustments we can make which would help you feel more at ease, such as lighting tweaks - we have a variety of lamps we can use. The therapy sessions will be directed by your goals and what you want to get out of therapy – you will be in control of what we discuss, and we do not have to discuss painful events from your past if you do not want to. We will then come up with an initial plan for therapy, and will review this every few sessions together to check we are on the right track and you are benefitting from our sessions.

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We feel it is important that therapy has an agreed-upon end point, not just for financial reasons but also acknowledging that therapy can be exhausting and you need to know it will end. We want to enable you to have a positive experience of an 'ending', which you may not have had before. We also want to help people to feel empowered and confident about trying new skills out, and then coming back to us if you need to, or would like to.