Therapies
I use a wide range of therapeutic approaches with clients, depending on the individual need. Below are brief details of some of these therapies, with some links for those who want to find out more.
If you have any questions regarding the therapies detailed here, please contact me for more information.
Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling: This includes a wide variety of highly effective therapeutic approaches that originated within Neuro Linguistic Programming, first developed by John Grinder and Richard Bandler in the US in 1970s. NLP is variously described as "the study of subjective experience", "the study of exellence", "tools for effective communication", none of which do it justice - you really have to experience it yourself to appreciate the magic of NLP. One of the websites of interest include www.nlpinfo.com (there are many, many more, but the quality of information varies a lot). For free introductory workshops in NLP and professional quality training programmes see the website of the Northern School of NLP & Associated Studies. I am a qualified Master NLP Practitioner and a Neurolinguistic Psychotherapist, accredited by NLPtCA (Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Association) and registered with UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: CBT looks at interdependence of our Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviour, and can help to challenge negative self-talk, improve problem-solving skills, and to modify unwanted behaviours. This is the preferred therapeutic model within the NHS, and has been researched extensively. For a useful pamphlet explaining CBT, visit the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. I have some years of experience of using CBT approaches in the field of addiction treatment, and have attended a one-year postgraduate-level training in CBT, with a focus on treatment of anxiety disorders and depression.
Emotional Freedom Techniques: One of the family of Meridian Therapies, and often described as "acupuncture without needles", EFT is a simple and effective procedure that offers quick relief from a wide range of emotional difficulties, as well as pains, aches and tensions. The procedure is easy to learn and after a little bit of practice you will be able to use it for yourself and perhaps friends and family.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) is a powerful psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr Francine Shapiro. It utilises bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, sounds) to process traumatic memories and relieve anxiety, and has been recommended for treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorders) by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). I am trained to Advanced level with an approved training organisation, and am currently working towards accreditation with EMDR Association.
Hypnotherapy: Very different from stage hypnosis, a healing hypnotherapeutic trance should be a pleasant, relaxing and safe experience. Hypnosis works by allowing you to access deeper, subconscious resources, that are not always easily accessible in our everyday life. I use therapeutic hypnosis and trancework in combination with other methods to facilitate positive change and healing, and teach my clients simple self-hypnosis techniques. I am a qualified hypnotherapist registered with the GHSC (General Hypnotherapy Standards Council), and I usually integrate hypnotherapy with other therapeutic methods as appropriate.
Ecotherapy: I sometimes conduct psychotherapy sessions in nature, e.g. whilst walking along the Longendale Trail with my clients. Trees, flowers, animals, birds, clouds, water - our connection with them can have an undeniable healing effect, and we may use aspects of nature during therapy as appropriate.
Sound Therapy: I am currently training as a practitioner with The College of Sound Healing, and am am able to offer a limited number of free sound therapy sessions. During the treatment the client typically lies on the therapy couch whilst the therapist uses their voice and sometimes instruments, as well as some gentle touch. The sound vibrations influence both body and mind, and most clients find the treatment extremely relaxing, soothing and pleasant.
Colour Therapy: This can be incorporated into the consultation where appropriate. Colour can have wide-ranging effects on physical and psychological health, and having too much or too little of certain colours in our life can have a negative impact. We can discuss any potential colour imbalances that may be affecting you and use colour to achieve a desired emotional, psychological or physical effect.
FREEWAY-CER is a gentle and effective Meridian Therapy developed in the UK by Tom Bolton and Bev Anderson. Another simple procedure that you can learn as a self help-tool.
Tapas Acupressure Technique: Yet another Meridian Therapy, this gentle and meditative process was developed by the acupuncturist Tapas Fleming and initially used for treatment of allergies, but now known to be effective for a wide variety of issues, including phobias, traumas, limiting beliefs and other problems. TAT involves placing your fingers on certain acupressure points whilst being guided through a series of thoughts relating to the problem. For more information and free TAT resources, visit Tapas Fleming's informative website.
Symbolic Modelling: An unusual, gentle and creative therapeutic approach, Symbolic Modelling works with symbols and metaphor to facilitate change. It was developed by Penny Tompkins and James Lawley from the work of a New Zealand psychotherapist David Grove. This method is especially useful when a client does not want to discuss a difficult issue or experience - positive change and healing can occur through this process of creating a metaphorical "landscape" of images and symbols, and as this landscape evolves and changes, the issue or problem gets resolved indirectly. For more information, check out the main Clean Language website.
Sandplay Therapy: This creative and profound therapeutic approach involves using a specially designed tray of sand and a wide range of small objects (figures, animals, stones, plants, symbols etc) that can be used to create a miniature "world" within the boundaries of the tray. Personal change, healing and problem resolution occur through symbolic exploration and transformation within the the sand tray. This therapy is suitable for both adults and children.
The Meaningful Existence Model: A positive and re-affirming process (developed by one of the original NLP modellers, David Gordon) which helps you re-discover what kind of person you are, what your life purpose is, and what bigger things you contribute to in this world just by the virtue of being yourself. Especially useful if you feel you are wondering somewhat aimlessly in life, have lost the sense of purpose, have less confindence than you would like, or find it difficult to make decisions.
Stress Management: May incorporate a wide range of relaxation and de-stressing techniques, such as visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, movement, etc. For more information about stress and stress management, look up the website of the ISMA (International Stress Management Association).