Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is it?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on practical strategies to develop healthier coping mechanisms, making it an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression and trauma.

CBT is based on the idea that it is not just a situation that triggers a feeling - it is our interpretation of the situation that triggers the response. Once we can understand how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviours, we can start to change how we feel by challenging our beliefs.

What should I expect?

CBT is a time-limited therapy ranging from 12-20 sessions. In the first stage of therapy, we will focus on understanding what is keeping the problem going and setting goals. The next stage involves implementing various strategies to work towards your goals. We will often try out a strategy together in session and then you will be encouraged to continue implementing this outside of the sessions. Therefore, while CBT is a talking therapy, it’s also called a “doing therapy” because it’s in the actions that change is made. The final stage of therapy will focus on creating a plan of how to keep progress going so you leave knowing that you can continue independently.

Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing

What is it?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing memories and traumatic experiences, allowing individuals to move forward without being overwhelmed by past experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require discussing traumatic experiences in detail; instead, it focuses on activating the brain’s natural healing mechanisms through guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds.

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, and other psychological difficulties. By addressing the root of distress, EMDR can facilitate deep and lasting healing.

What should I expect?

During EMDR sessions, you will recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in a physical task, such as rapidly moving your eyes from side-to-side or tapping your shoulders. This process allows the brain to work through the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity and clarity, making it feel less distressing over time. As negative thoughts and emotions become less intense, negative beliefs can be replaced with more adaptive beliefs. When the key memories have been processed, the same approach can be used to work through difficult thoughts and emotions related to current triggers and future fears.