The Therapeutic Approaches We Use
The therapeutic approach used by us will depend on many factors. During the initial consultation, we will conduct an in-depth assessment to explore some important information that will enable us to decide which approach may be best suited for each client. Everything that is considered will be done in a collaborative way with clients that we work with, providing clients plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Some of the factors that we will consider when deciding which type of psychological treatment may benefit clients include variables such as the presenting problem, the goal of therapy and what clients want from session to session. Additionally, the level of structure is another factor that will be considered jointly with the client. This means that we will assess whether a more exploratory approach may be beneficial for clients, or if an approach which is more practical or skills focused would be better suited for the client.
In relation to length of therapy, each session is an hour long and we offer brief/short-term work to open-ended, longer term work. Duration and frequency of therapy is usually discussed during the initial consultation. With an emphasis on integrity and transparency as the core value of our company, after the initial consultation, if we believe that other services or approaches that we are not trained in would be useful for clients, we will have a discussion about how to best get the appropriate support. Below are some of the approaches that we use.
Humanistic and Person-Centred Therapy
With an emphasis on the philosophical underpinnings of Humanism, this type of therapy is one that truly sees the relationship formed between the client and therapist as the main driving force for therapeutic change. Using Person-centred therapy, clients will be offered a non-judgemental, safe and reflective space to explore difficulties whilst developing methods to address challenges individuals are facing in the here-and-now.
Person-centred therapy is truly about the prizing of each individual as unique beings. This approach aims to examine how 'conditions of worth' is formed; over time, these 'conditions' are introjected as part of the self, masking what individuals truly value in life. Person-centred therapy helps clients find those values again within the therapy room, leading to increased authenticity and developing the ability to live a life without the earlier-formed conditions. This approach emphasises the importance of living a true and authentic self to experience a fulfilling life. Clients are viewed as the true experts by experience.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT has become well-known for its strong evidence-base and effectiveness in treating a range of mental health difficulties. This approach predominantly works with the here-and-now, although some links will be made to the past and how this has developed the mental health difficulties. CBT aims to examine and address how mental health difficulties are maintained by a vicious cycle of negative thoughts impacting behaviours, which in turn, impacts emotions. CBT aims to collaboratively break this cycle by introducing different techniques to clients to consider alternative ways thinking and behaving. CBT is often referred to as the therapeutic approach that 're-wires the brain'. Currently, there is ample evidence that suggests that CBT is extremely useful for, but not limited to, treating anxiety disorders. This approach aims to develop an individuals' repertoire of ways to manage a range of difficulties through changing the way situations are thought about.
Psychodynamic Practice
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, founded by the father of Psychology; Sigmund Freud, is a branch of psychotherapy that explores unconscious processes that causes difficulties within interpersonal and intrapersonal relating. The basic premise of Psychodynamic practice is that hurtful, shameful and difficult to think about material is buried in parts of the mind that are not accessible at a conscious level, but gets replayed in everyday life and relationships. Psychodynamic work aims to uncover such unconscious material and provide a reflective space for clients to recognise how patterns of inter- and intrapersonal relating are formed. In working through these existing patterns with a therapist, newer and healthier patterns of relating with others and the self is formed. This approach may be useful for clients who wish to explore the past in depth and gain greater insight to why clients relate to others and themselves in a particular way. Using this approach, the therapist has an active role within the therapeutic relationship whereby questions and interpretations may be made. This is so that clients can then make associations between patterns within relationships in the here-and-now with past events and people in their lives.
A truly integrative experience
Whilst we understand the importance of having theory in mind and practicing with aforementioned approaches, we understand that humans are unique individuals with complex ways of relating, thinking and feeling. We appreciate that 'no one size fits all'. As such, we are well versed in integrating a range of different techniques as described to fit the needs of the clients. Other techniques that are integrated in our practice includes third-wave cognitive behavioural approaches. For example, we may draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques or use Dialectical Behavioural Therapy skills to meet the needs of our clients. Whatever the needs are, we will always be dynamic in our approach to meet the needs of our clients.
If you have any queries about the approaches we offer at Elegant Minds, please feel free to get in touch to obtain more information.
For businesses and organisations
With the diverse experience and qualifications that Kai and Shannon hold, they have often been involved in a range of training for organisations such as community services and hospitals. Should you wish to receive training within your business or organisation, please get in contact for further discussion. Some training topics that have been previously covered include:
- Understanding Personality Disorders
- Effective communication skills
- Stress management
- Mindfulness
- Managing anxiety and low moods
- Managing workplace stress