Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) focuses on your relationships, past and present, to help us to understand how and why you relate to yourself and others in the way that you do in the present. There will be some work between sessions in the form of work sheets and self monitoring. CAT is usually agreed at between 16 to 24 sessions. Please take a look at the ACAT website for more information: http://www.acat.me.uk/page/about+cat 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a way of releasing the body and mind’s memory of experience of trauma or events, which continue to be distressing or upsetting in the here and now. EMDR is used for accidents, phobias, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, blocked or complex/blocked grief, to name a few. It can be used on a memory you have from childhood, or something that has happened as an adult. Some people can’t remember much from their past. This is ok, as together we will work out ways of moving forwards and processing what you need.

Trauma, according to Dr Gabor Mate is defined as:

“Trauma is a restriction of your authentic self in the present moment, for which you don’t need dramatic events. Trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside you, as a result of what happens to you. And things can happen inside you, for which you don’t need very dramatic events. Trauma is essentially a restriction of your capacity, its limitation, in the body. A restriction of your mental capacity to respond in the present moment from your authentic self.”

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at your thoughts and feelings to change the way you feel. There are exercises to complete between sessions. To find out more about CBT please click on the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) page at http://www.babcp.com/Public/What-is-CBT.aspx

I incorporate CBT within my work when appropriate.

I offer an open, warm, professional and safe environment, and deeply value the therapeutic process and relationship as unique to every individual. I am flexible with my approach, depending on your needs and goals. Coming to therapy to explore, understand, and work through anything that may be troubling. Whether that is your past or present, or both, can be difficult to do, we will work together and I will use my extensive training and experience to help you through the difficulties you are facing. Therapy can be challenging, at times uncomfortable, eye opening or even shocking. What is important is feeling that you can go at your own pace in a safe and confidential environment.