Personalized Approach to Therapy
As a mental health care professional, I understand that it can be very distressing at times for individuals who suffer from psychological issues and emotional concerns. I work with the notion that every individual case is unique, given that we all have differing backgrounds and life experiences, and hence, believe in using both a Person Centred and an integrative psychological approach to therapy.
In most frequent cases, I emphasize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Person Centred Approach, but will readily draw from other necessary approaches and perspectives (read more in Approaches), which best suit each individual client and issue. As the therapeutic process unfolds, I will continue to work on this premise and tailor the approach to which works best for you in getting you your desired results.
Alongside this, I also believe in using Psychoeducation to give clients a better understanding of their concerns, not only in aiding them in understanding the reasons behind their presenting issues, or to know that they are not alone in their suffering, but also to empower them and their loved ones, in giving them the confidence to know that they can overcome these pressing concerns through therapy. By having a better understanding of both the causes and treatment plan for their issues, the therapeutic process can proceed more effectively.
Therapeutic Context: In therapy, my aim is to create a safe, respectful and non-judgmental space where you will be provided with empathy and support in order for you to heal and grow. Alongside this process, I will aid you in learning new skills whilst continuing to build on your strengths in overcoming your presenting ailments, not only now, but also for the future. My goal is to guide you in building the trust and confidence in your own capabilities as you use this space to help you gain a better perspective of yourself as a whole person as you improve.
Therapeutic Relationship: As the quality of the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in therapy, communication and trust is key as we work together collaboratively towards your needs. I feel that being authentic with one another and a willingness to work together will aid you as a client in getting the most out of therapy.
Therapy is a constantly evolving process; as we work together to continually re-evaluate what is working for you and your desired outcomes. Throughout therapy, I will continue to adapt my approach to which best suits your needs, whilst facilitating the growth and/or treatment process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of therapy which focuses on working on our thoughts, behaviours and emotions. In CBT, we work on the premise that each of these three components affect one another; for example, our thoughts will influence the way we feel and in turn affect our outward behaviours, with the reverse also being true. Similarly, the way we behave or carry ourselves will impact the way we feel, which in turn affects the way we think about ourselves or a situation.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy combines the approach of cognitive therapy together with practices in meditation and mindfulness.
It involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness with our thoughts, emotions and our immediate environment alongside noticing our body sensations and changes which may occur. When practicing mindfulness, we work with guiding the focus of your thoughts into your senses in the present moment instead of rehearsing past situations or future concerns.
The Person Centred Approach to therapy is based on the notion that every individual has the capacity to fulfill hers or his life potential. This perspective views problematic symptoms as a coping mechanism in order to deal with difficult situations which may be present in one’s life and is useful to anyone seeking to explore and become more attuned with their feelings and sense of self.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is a broad-based cognitive-behavioural treatment which was originally developed for chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but has since also been further developed and is now being used for a wider range of issues. In DBT, we work with the concept of polarities and managing potentially conflicting views simultaneously (dialectical), yet in a way that works positively for us.
DBT consists of 4 sets of behavioral skills training which include:
-Mindfulness
-Distress Tolerance
-Interpersonal Effectiveness
-Emotion Regulation
Unlike other approaches to psychotherapy which tend to spend more time working through presenting issues, Solution Focused Therapy is a form of therapy which, as implied by its name, focuses on creating solutions to the problem.
From the SFT perspective I will aim to ask you the right set of questions in order for you to identify the best possible solutions to your issues. Furthermore, we will work together in drawing from past strengths and solutions as we also direct your attention towards exceptions, or times when your presenting problem could have occurred, but did not, and how we can use this information to aid you in finding solutions now.
The premise of this perspective understands that as human beings, we have 6 fundamental and innate needs:
1. The Need for Certainty
2. The Need for Uncertainty and Variety
3. The Need for Significance
4. The Need for Love and Connection
5. The Need for Growth
6. The Need for Contribution
"Overindulgence" in a particular need or trying to meet certain needs in unhealthy ways can contribute to emotional suffering and symptoms of psychopathology.