Our psychologists and counselling staff endeavour to apply the model of therapy or combination of therapies assessed as most suited to the client and their specific circumstances. Irrespective of the therapeutic approach, our staff acknowledge the importance of the therapeutic relationship in reaching desired goals. This is fostered by working collaboratively with clients to explore new possibilities and outcomes for problem situations.

Our staff have training and experience in a variety of different approaches to therapy including:
 

Systemic family therapy values the role and influence of family in our lives. By including multiple family members in the therapeutic process new perspectives are recognised, the responsibility for problems is shared, blame for problems is minimised and the family works together to develop new strategies and approaches to deal with problem situations. It is an effective method of working with couples and families presenting with a broad range of issues from relationship problems to serious behavioural problems, disability, psychological disorders and mental health issues. This model of therapy can also be applied to working with the individual.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an intensely practical and active form of therapy. CBT aims to help clients understand how thoughts, feelings and behaviours are closely connected and influence each other. CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and feelings by changing beliefs and behaviours that perpetuate the negative thoughts and feelings. CBT is particularly helpful in treating a wide variety of conditions including anxiety and depression, irrespective of their genetic or learned origin.

Experiential in nature, expressive therapy modalities (e.g. art therapy, sand-play and symbol work) aim to bridge the divide between our inner and outer worlds. By facilitating connection to our unconscious, expressive therapies support emotional healing and self development. Suitable for those who find verbal exchanges difficult and/or for those who work best in a visual, non-verbal mode.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy aims to seek the roots of human behaviour in unconscious motivation and conflict. This mode of therapy is typically conducted over longer periods of time in order to overcome resistances and get at the sources of the unconscious impulses. There is increasing evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of longer term therapy in treating a range of mental health issues, including mood disorders and anxiety based disorders. This type of therapy is often known as depth oriented therapy because it can assist the client in understanding more about themselves and thus better equipping them to make long lasting problem resolution.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is essentially a skill-based therapy, offering more practical and effective coping techniques. DBT uses a cognitive behavioural approach and includes a strong emphasis on acceptance of the person as they are, combined with the expectation that current behaviours need to change. DBT as a treatment applies an array of both cognitive and behavioural therapies, plus acceptance and relationship strategies. These include problem solving, exposure, skills training, contingency management, mindfulness, affect regulation and cognitive modification. DBT is often helpful with clients who engage in problematic behaviours as a way of coping with intense and unstable emotions.