Only evidence-based treatments are used. These are treatments that have been extensively researched world wide, and have been shown to be effective in clinical trials and studies, in the management of a wide range of psychological problems and disorders- from minor problems to more severe ones. These treatments include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy(ITP) and Positive Psychology.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a well validated psychological approach that is used in psychology and stress management programs all over the world. It is a broad movement that continues to develop, and has off-shoots such as ACT. It recognises that a person’s way of thinking (cognition) and acting (behaviour) affects the way that they feel. While acknowledging the role of early learning and childhood experiences, the focus is on the present and on finding solutions and teaching people skills to overcome their difficulties.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy (it has been described as an “existential humanistic cognitive behavioural therapy”) which has a major emphasis on values, acceptance, compassion, forgiveness, living in the present moment and accessing a transcendental sense of self. Mindfulness is about bringing our awareness to the present moment with an attitude of openness, interest and receptiveness to our experience-rather than one of struggle, judgement and avoidance. The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life, while at the same time accepting the inevitable pain that goes with it.

Both CBT and ACT have similar goals but differing techniques, with the main goals being:

• To assist people to recognise how their pattern of thinking and/or behaviour may be contributing to their difficulties; and to recognize and distance oneself from unhelpful or painful thoughts
• To think and act more flexibly
• To take action towards living a valued and meaningful life

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IP) aims to understand how the problems in question came about and how they relate to a person’s personal and social life. The following problem areas are identified- grief, role transition, interpersonal disputes and interpersonal sensitivity.

The aim of ITP is to help you to resolve the problem area(s) by expressing feelings about the problems; accepting painful feelings; identifying and improving communication issues; and resolving conflicts or choosing another plan of action with identified key people.

Positive Psychology