What to Expect
At Therapy on the Hill, we understand that each person's journey is unique, and thus we provide bespoke, evidence-based treatment designed to support adults aged 18 and above. Whatever the challenge you're facing - be it depression, anxiety, or any other psychological issues - I am here to provide the supportive and compassionate care you need.
Following an initial assessment, therapy is thoughtfully tailored to align with your specific needs and aspirations. Sometimes the goals may be clear from the outset, while other times our journey may begin with an exploratory phase to uncover the most meaningful areas for change.
We will then proceed with weekly sessions, each carefully designed to last 50 minutes. The duration of therapy can vary, with short-term treatment typically encompassing 8-12 sessions, or a more in-depth approach extending beyond 16 sessions, depending on the nature of the work and the therapeutic modality employed.
The treatments offered encompass the following:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Better known as ‘CBT’, this is a short-term, goal-based approach to therapy embraced by the NHS and psychological institutions worldwide. More recent updates to this approach (third-wave CBT) include Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Schema Therapy.
Sessions are highly directed and focus on cognitions (thoughts), emotions (feelings) and behaviour in relation to your problem or issue. You get back what you put in and you will be increasingly challenged in a way which will help you to overcome your problem.
Therapy is not limited to the 50 minute sessions and as is common with CBT, you will often be set homework or tasks (experiments) to complete out in the real-world which we then discuss in the following session.
PSYCHODYNAMIC
Psychodynamic therapy can be less directive and often longer term than CBT. It has roots firmly in psychoanalysis, examining early development and includes a focus on both conscious and unconscious processes that influence our feelings, thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
It takes the position that we all have different aspects and parts of self which can sometimes come into conflict, resulting in a range of psychological issues or disorders. It also contains a focus on the interpersonal and relational patterns which may contribute to or maintain such issues.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy developed to help people who have experienced trauma or other difficult life events. It is based on the idea that negative memories and experiences can be "stuck" in the brain and that by using certain techniques, such as eye movements, people can process and resolve these memories, leading to improvement in their symptoms.
EMDR involves the patient recalling a traumatic or difficult experience while the therapist guides them through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques, such as tapping or sound. The goal of EMDR is to help the patient process and integrate the memories and experiences, leading to reduced distress and improved functioning.
EMDR can also be used to help treat phobias, anxiety, addictions (urge/craving reduction), skin disorders and be used in a coaching and performance context.
PERSON-CENTRED THERAPY
Person-centred therapy, also known as person-centred counselling or client-centred therapy, is a form of psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s. It is based on the idea that everyone has the potential to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges if they feel understood and accepted. In person-centred therapy, the therapist creates a safe and nonjudgmental environment where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
The therapist does not give advice or direct the client, but rather helps the client to find their own solutions and gain insight into their experiences. Person-centred therapy is based on the belief that the client is the expert on their own life and has the ability to make positive changes.
For more information on the types of therapy I offer, do not hesitate to contact me.