Which therapy?

(CBT) This is one of my primary models of treatment. It involves learning how to be aware of your mind and responses so that you can use behavioural and thought change to bring about improvements in your mood. Although it is technique focussed it absolutely includes ample consideration of the past and its influences, giving time and space to process these as well as finding ways forward. 

(CFT) Often we are not given the opportunity when young to experience compassion for ourselves or from others and so this becomes and underused skill. What that means is that when we try, it feels uncomfortable, difficult, self-critical even. Developing compassion skills can be both soft and warm and tough a gritty and can be hard work. However, doing so can make it easier to build our identity, look after ourselves and our needs and express our opinions and beliefs.

(TF-CBT) Trauma can include single incidents, childhood mistreatment and mistreatment as an adult. This might include witnessing events, health crises, physical, sexual, emotional and psychological mistreatment or controlling and coercive behaviours. Trauma focussed treatment comprises many of the core CBT skills but gives additional time and space to those aspects which make trauma difficult. For example, you might recognise the desire to avoid memories, not want to trust people, not know who you are anymore or struggling to manage when emotions overwhelm you. 

(DBT) This therapy is designed for those who feel emotions very intensely, so much so they may be completely overcome by them and it might feel like chaos trying to manage them. During these times someone could make decisions they later regret or use some strategies which they might not choose if they felt ok. This is a highly skills based approach focussing on developing self-awareness so that someone has the best chance possible to manage their feelings before they take hold. 

(ACT) While acceptance is a part of most therapies to a degree, this model emphases its usefulness. It guides someone to learn to accept feelings and thoughts and separate themselves from them. This then allows for action. These actions are typically focussed around a set of values that someone holds as important and will be related to our goals.