I offer integrative therapy, which means I draw on a number of different theories and strategies in the way I understand and treat personal difficulties. The main approaches I work from include:
- Attachment theory
- Psychodynamic ideas
- Neurobiological research
- Trauma-informed models of treatment
- Mentalization-based approaches
Brief outlines of these are given below
ATTACHMENT THEORY
Read more about attachment theory here...
PSYCHODYNAMIC THEORY
Psychodynamic therapy aims to help individuals understand and resolve unconscious conflicts and emotions that may be influencing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is based on the theory that our early life experiences and relationships shape the way we think and behave as adults, and that these unconscious influences can manifest in the form of emotional symptoms. Repeating patterns from childhood play out in later life...
Psychodynamic therapy is a reflective process where client and therapist try to uncover and gain insight into these unconscious influences and how they are impacting their lives. This is done through exploring associations, feelings, and memories that may be related to the individual's current difficulties. Once patterns of relating and the automatic assumptions linked to past experiences are identified it is possible to understand the way these are affecting the present and think about how they can be changed. Understanding problems that have been established over many years is typically a long-term process, with sessions usually taking place once or, sometimes, twice a week.
MENTALIZATION BASED TREATMENT
Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is primarily used to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other personality disorders. MBT is based on the theory that individuals with BPD and other personality disorders have difficulties in mentalizing, or understanding the mental states of themselves and others.
The main goal of MBT is to help individuals develop the ability to mentalize, or to understand the thoughts and feelings that underlie their own and others’ behavior. This is done through a process of exploring thoughts, feelings, and memories in the therapy sessions, and through the therapist's guidance and feedback.
MBT is a long-term therapy, usually taking place over a period of about two years, with two sessions per week. It is conducted in groups, as well as individual sessions. The therapy is divided into three phases:
- The first phase focuses on building a therapeutic alliance, establishing trust and safety, and stabilizing the individual's symptoms.
- The second phase focuses on exploring the individual's past experiences and their impact on current behaviors and thoughts.
- The third phase focuses on helping the individual to apply mentalizing skills in their daily life, and to develop a sense of self and self-worth.
MBT has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of BPD and improving overall functioning. It can also be beneficial for individuals with other personality disorders, as well as those with other mental health conditions that are characterized by difficulties in mentalizing, such as schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY