Dr Edwards is trained and experienced in various types of therapy, and will help discover the most appropriate type for you to start. Further information is provided below for each method she offers
- Person Centred – Person centred therapy is about listening to the person rather than analysing them, working to help with self-discovery and healing
- Integrative – Integrative therapy is an holistic form of therapy that takes ideas and techniques from two or more methods to provide a flexible and inclusive approach unique to the client. It allows the therapist to evaluate and modify the treatment to address specific problems and to get the best outcome. Dr Edwards’ integrated approach utilises therapies such as person centred therapy alongside:
- CAT – Cognitive Analytic Therapy
- DBT – Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- EMDR
- STEPPS
Person Centred Therapy
Used for issues such as depression, poor self-esteem, bereavement, and difficult changes in life.
- Person-centred therapy, also known as Rogerian therapy, emphasizes a non-authoritative approach that empowers clients to lead discussions, accept themselves, and trust in their inner voice
- The therapy is based on Carl Rogers’ belief in the uniqueness of individuals and the importance of personal growth
- Therapists serve as compassionate facilitators, listening without judgment to aid clients in their self-discovery journey
- Key success factors of person-centred therapy include unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and therapist genuineness
- Potential limitations include the lack of structure, which may be challenging for clients experiencing higher levels of stress or anxiety, or that require more structured approach
More Information on Person Centred Therapy
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/person-centered-therapy
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html
- https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/person-centred-counselling
Integrative Therapy
Used for a range of psychological concerns as it can be used within almost any short or long-term therapy work, to treat depression, anxiety, grief, poor self-esteem, personality disorders, PTSD, self-harm and trauma among others
- Integrative therapy encompasses various types of psychotherapy which differ in methodology and focus; therapists often borrow techniques from multiple therapies to create personalized treatment plans based on the client’s specific needs and challenges
- An integrative therapist continuously assesses a client’s progress and makes necessary adjustments in therapy modalities.
- The introduction of different techniques is typically discussed with clients to maintain transparency and cooperation in the therapeutic process.
More Information on Integrative Therapy
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/integrative-therapy
- https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/integrative-counselling/
Integrative techniques from diverse methodologies, including the following may be utilised
Humanistic
- Studies the whole person as a unique individual and assumes people have free will and want to improve themselves
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/humanistic.html
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/humanistic-therapy
Systemic
- Focuses on how relationships, choices, and behaviour patterns are connected with a client’s issues in life.
- https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/systemic-therapy/
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-systemic-therapy-5215847
Psychodynamic
- Looks at how experiences can contribute to actions, and how the unconscious mind influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychodynamic.html
- https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/psychodynamic-therapy/
Compassion-focussed
- Aims to help mental and emotional healing by encouraging people to be kind toward themselves. It can help clients who struggle with shame and self-criticism resulting from experiences such as abuse or neglect
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/compassion-focused-therapy
- https://welldoing.org/types/compassion-focused-therapy
Mindfulness
- Can be a form of meditation where you are actively concentrating on the here and now without judging emotions or thoughts (awareness and acceptance)
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mindfulness
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy.html
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Based on a triangle of interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. CBT it a goal based therapy that can teach you coping skills for dealing with different problems. CBT helps people to be more aware of negative thoughts and how they impact, and how behavioural patterns reinforce distorted thoughts
- CBT can be used for most diagnoses, however, it is usually an intense, short-term treatment (with homework) and is not always useful for more complex issues
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-therapy.html
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/cognitive-behavioral-therapy
CAT – Cognitive Analytic Therapy
Used for various difficulties, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and harmful coping behaviours.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a collaborative talking therapy that helps individuals understand and change unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour that stem from childhood coping strategies. It aims to alleviate emotional distress and foster healthier relationships with oneself and others by identifying and modifying these patterns. The therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and requires a commitment to regular sessions for optimal personal growth and understanding
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is focused on improving relationships with oneself and others through understanding one’s own behaviours and thoughts.
- CAT emphasizes the impact of childhood experiences on current behaviour and emotional responses, highlighting the importance of unlearning unhelpful coping strategies.
- Therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify personal issues, their origins, and paths for change, tailoring the approach to individual needs.
- Therapy sessions start with sharing personal stories and gradually focusing on patterns that keep individuals feeling stuck in negative cycles.
- CAT typically involves a time-limited approach with sessions structured around specific goals, and progress is monitored throughout.
- Ending therapy is an essential component, with therapists and clients reflecting on the process and planning future steps to ensure lasting positive change.
More Information on CAT
- https://www.acat.me.uk/page/about+cat
- https://www.engage.acat.org.uk/what-is-cognitive-analytic-therapy/
- https://selectpsychology.co.uk/what-we-do/talking-therapy/cognitive-analytic-therapy-cat/
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy – DBT
Used for various mental health issues, such as eating disorders and PTSD, although it was initially created for treating borderline personality disorder and has since been adapted to address other mental health conditions. The therapy includes group and individual sessions, along with phone coaching, proving beneficial across diverse demographics.
- DBT is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that focuses on teaching individuals to live in the present, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and enhance emotional regulation, improving relationships
- Key techniques in DBT include mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation, each with specific exercises to practice.
- DBT is structured into four treatment stages, starting with addressing the most serious self-destructive behaviours and moving towards improving overall quality of life.
- The six core components of DBT include acceptance and change, behaviour analysis, cognitive change, collaboration, skill set development, and support.
- Research shows DBT is effective across various demographics and beneficial for both borderline personality disorder and conditions involving suicidal behaviour.
- Committing to DBT requires significant time for therapy sessions and skill practice outside of therapy, which may pose challenges for some individuals.
More Information on DBT
- https://dbt-uk.com
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/dialectical-behavior-therapy.html
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/dialectical-behaviour-therapy-dbt/
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing – EMDR
Used for the processing of traumatic memories and alleviating symptoms associated with an array of issues, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, behavioural difficulties, addictions, and more serious conditions like psychosis
- EMDR therapy emphasises the alteration of memory storage, as a means to decrease emotional distress, and help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences impacting their mental health
- EMDR assumes
- Information is stored in memory networks containing memories, thoughts, images, emotions, and sensations
- New links can be formed between the unhelpful information held and new thoughts and actions, helping the mind to heal itself
- The therapy combines side-to-side eye movements with talk therapy in a structured format to access and process negative memories and emotions aiding in reducing the distress tied to those memories.
- The number of sessions required varies, with some clients experiencing significant improvements in as few as six sessions, while others may need more. Therapy is usually conducted for approximately 80 minutes per appointment
- EMDR consists of eight distinct phases, starting with assessing symptoms and understanding the client’s past experiences, and ending with closure and re-evaluation which demonstrates significant effectiveness in reducing trauma-related symptoms
- Unlike other trauma therapies, EMDR does not require detailed recounting of traumatic events or extensive exposure, thus providing a unique therapeutic experience and valuable treatment option alongside other therapeutic modalities.
More Information on EMDR
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/about-emdr-therapy.html
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-therapy
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
- https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/eye-movement-desensitisation-and-reprocessing-emdr/
STEPPS – Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving
STEPPS is a practical, evidence-based intervention for people who experience difficulties managing intense emotions. The intervention provides participants with DBT and CBT informed skills to manage intense emotions and how to use them to manage self-destructive behaviour and relationships. Originally developed for Borderline Personality Disorder, STEPPS has been adapted for various emotional regulation issues, improving overall mental health and emotional stability
- STEPPS is an emotion regulation training that improves understanding and expression of emotions
- It offers techniques to observe and manage escalating emotions, minimizing impulsive reactions
- The Emotional Intensity Continuum helps visualize and control emotions on a scale from no heat to boiling over
- STEPPS includes daily emotion recording to foster awareness of emotional experiences
- Participants in STEPPS learn vital skills to express emotions healthily, such as observing, describing, and challenging their feelings
- The program is suitable for various diagnoses beyond Borderline Personality Disorder, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
- Adding mindfulness exercises can greatly boost the effectiveness of emotion regulation practices
More Information on STEPPS
- https://borderlinesupport.org.uk/whatisbpd/therapies/stepps-therapy/
- https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/stepps-for-borderline-personality-disorder/