Approaches

Humanistic Therapy

As described by GoodTherapy.org: Humanistic psychology (humanism) is grounded in the belief that people are innately good. This type of psychology holds that morality, ethical values, and good intentions are the driving forces of behaviour, while adverse social or psychological experiences can be attributed to deviations from natural tendencies.  Humanism incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Rogerian (person-centred) therapy, and often emphasizes a goal of self-actualization.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

As defined by EMDRIA: – EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) developed by Francine Shapiro. In addition, research with EMDR has shown it to have successful outcomes when used to treat other mental health problems including depression, anxiety and grief. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), argues that many mental health issues are due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences.  As a result, one’s ability to appropriately integrate these experiences is hindered and challenging symptoms may emerge. In order to help manage symptoms, EMDR uses an 8 phase approach to help diminish or eliminate distress from traumatic memories.  

For more information: EMDR Canada Website

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

The Beck Institute for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy defines CBT as:  a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented psychotherapy directed toward solving current problems and teaching clients skills to modify dysfunctional thinking and behavior.  It argues that how people think about a situation determines how they feel and react, not the situation itself.  One important part of CBT is helping people change their unhelpful thinking and behaviours in order to improve their mood and functioning.  CBT uses a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques, but it also borrows from many psychotherapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

For more information: visit the NHS.UK website

Clinical Hypnosis

The American Psychological Association defines hypnosis as a therapeutic technique in which clinicians make suggestions to individuals who have been guided to relax and focus their minds using verbal repetition and mental images.  In this relaxed state, they can do the work to change unhelpful patterns playing out in their lives, address painful past experiences or gain inner wisdom.  Although hypnosis has been controversial, most clinicians now agree it can be a powerful, effective therapeutic technique.  Hypnosis can be used to help people gain control over undesired behaviours or to help cope better with anxiety or pain. It’s important to know that although people are more open to suggestion during hypnosis, they don’t lose control over their behaviour  (Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology and The Mayo Clinic).    

And Others…

In addition, Debbie also draws techniques from Ego State Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Trauma-Informed Play-Based Therapy.