What Sets My Therapy Approach Apart from Others
- yourbodyandmind1
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
What makes therapy with me different?
I have been a therapist for quite a while now, most of that time has been spent in the NHS. And whilst I do not claim to be the world best therapist (although I get good feedback frequently) many people that tell me that they have had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) before and that their sessions previously were not like the sessions we have. Which left my scratching my head thinking why?! So I ask my clients that very question. They tell me that they were given worksheets and just did talking. No understanding of the particular patterns that got them to this place ('therapist speak' calls this formulation). I'm not against that. I am a firm believer in meeting people were they are at in life vs where they need/should be. Sometimes, 'coping tools' can be what people are looking for. Perhaps you don't have much time to dig deep and do the work (therapy can be a game changer but it does require effort in order to get results), perhaps the things you have been through are just too difficult to process right now. I get that and its ok. I will meet you where you are at with the goals that you have. BUT! Coping tools, without a proper understanding of what is ACTUALLY keeping the anxiety going, will only work short term.
In order to change, we need to know how we got here and what keeps us stuck. I help people develop much more self awareness through formulation! The issue with not doing this is therapy can often leave people feeling that they have failed at therapy or the therapy/therapist is no good and it didn't work. Yes, that can be true also but, effective therapy should help you to understand your patterns and how you get here in the first place.
I don't offer quick fixes and wont provide you with 10 techniques to help you manage your anxiety (in my experience it makes the anxiety worse or it doesn't change anything). Often, people will ask for coping tools to use on top of demanding lives. It WILL end up being another stressor for the nervous system as its just another things to do.
Doing too many things, not taking breaks at work, working beyond our hours, not sleep right, eating poorly, saying yes to everything, never asking for help, people pleasing, constantly focus and overanalysing our thoughts, NEVER slowing down, trying to exercise because society said its good for us, eating healthy, trying to be a good partner/parent/sister/daughter/son/friend, doing therapy, going to work ( perhaps working in a way that conflict with our morals), pushing through burn out, doing breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, going for walks. Thats alot! Let me tell you, doing a breathing exercise now and again or mindfulness exercise on top of all DEMAND will not help manage your anxiety! Well at least, not for very long. Its like trying to fan the flames whilst stood in fire! We need to get out of the fire to truly heal. We need to slow down (I know, its a dirty word in our current climate as society loves us being productive at all times). There is so much pressure placed on us all. The formulation (and well, a little bit of honestly from me) will tell you that your doing too much and thats the issue! We will explore what makes you feel compelled to take on so much. There will be a reason for this, possibly rooted in your history.
I help people understand what got them here in the first place. Sometimes thats our histories, experiences, together with coping mechanism that once kept us safe (and probably still do to some extent). Understanding this takes collaborative working to understand this pattern. This should be something we continually look at together. Its not about changing our 'quirks' and what makes us who we are. Sometimes its about understanding that perhaps our coping tools that we hold onto so rigidly are keeping us stuck. That avoidance is costing you long term, that distraction only helps temporarily and that busyness is why your so anxious.
A Holistic Perspective
A key aspect that distinguishes my therapy approach is a holistic perspective. I believe your mental health is connected to your physical, emotional, and social well-being.
For example, if someone struggles with anxiety, we might explore not just your thoughts but also their sleeping habits, eating patterns, and social interactions. This comprehensive view leads to a deeper understanding of self and fosters a more meaningful therapeutic relationship.
Evidence-Based Techniques
While I value personalisation, I also integrate evidence-based techniques into my work. This means that the methods I use are supported by research and have proven effective for various mental health issues.
For instance, I use Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence based therapy which is effective for anxiety difficulties such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder GAD (worry) and Social Anxiety. But I'm not ridged, I will drawer from therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Some sessions will involve just talking particularly in the beginning of therapy when we are both making sense of your difficulty but the behavioural bit of CBT is crucial. For example, Behavioural Experiments are a key part of treatment for social anxiety and GAD.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
Creating a safe environment is crucial in my practice. I strive to cultivate a space where you can express your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Honestly, I am the least judgemental person you will meet both and and out of the therapy room. I've heard it all before and trust me, your thoughts are not weird and most people feel the same way as you!
I do offer a free 15 minute call to see if we are a good fit for one another. Do reach out via my contact form and I will be happy to assist you.
Jess xxx
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