My Therapeutic Approach
At Compass of the Mind, I believe that every journey toward mental well-being is unique. My therapeutic approach is designed to guide you through your personal landscape, helping you to uncover the roots of your challenges while equipping you with the tools necessary for growth and healing.
Through a blend of NICE Guideline evidence-based therapies, compassionate listening, and personalized care, I work collaboratively with you to navigate your thoughts and emotions, fostering resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore, reflect, and thrive.
Using this approach enables clients to receive individualised care, ensuring their needs are met, whilst integrating the evidence-based practice.
As our sessions draw to a close, together we can create a 'Your Compass' plan. This will include a personalised document that will cover all the content from our sessions. Previous clients have found this a useful tool to reflect on their therapy journey and offers an ongoing pathway of wellbeing.
Below is some information about some of evidence-based therapies I use.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, collaborative & active, evidence-based talking therapy. It works on the idea that the way we think and behave impacts on how we feel. You will identify your goals and collaboratively plan the path there.
You will identify unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to distress. You will learn ways to challenge and modify those thoughts and behaviours in order to improve your mood. The focus of CBT is in the 'here and now' however we may draw on your past experiences to understand where your beliefs & thoughts have developed from and how they may shape and impact on your current experience.
CBT supports you to take what you have learnt in session and apply it to your daily life, through tasks to complete between sessions. This supports you to become your own therapist so you can maintain your wellbeing.
For younger children, parents can be involved as a 'co-therapist' to support their child in learning and implementing what they have learnt in session.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy view people separate from their problems, allowing distance from the problems faced. As we experience events and interactions over our lives, we give meaning to those experiences, influencing how you see yourself and the world. We carry multiple stories at once, about our self-esteem, abilities, relationships, and work. Understanding the stories we develop and carry through our lives, can support in re-writing our narrative for the future that reflects who you are, your capabilities, your values & purpose.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychological treatment that encourages individuals to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them. ACT fosters present-moment awareness and acceptance of one's internal experiences. This therapy aims to help individuals clarify their values, identify meaningful life goals, and commit to actions that align with those values, even in the presence of difficult emotions. By promoting psychological flexibility, ACT empowers individuals to live a more fulfilling life, reducing the impact of distressing thoughts and emotions on their day-to-day functioning.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a psychological practice that encourages individuals to cultivate a heightened awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. By focusing on the here and now, clients learn to observe their experiences without judgement, fostering a sense of acceptance and self-compassion. This approach not only aids in reducing stress and anxiety but also enhances emotional regulation and resilience. Therapists often incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as guided meditation and breathing exercises, to help clients develop greater insight into their behavioural patterns, thereby facilitating deeper healing and personal growth.
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an integrative therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of compassion in promoting emotional well-being and psychological healing. CFT is particularly effective for individuals struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The therapy seeks to cultivate a compassionate mindset towards oneself and others, recognising the significance of understanding and acceptance in the therapeutic process. By utilising techniques such as mindfulness, visualisation, and cognitive restructuring, CFT helps clients learn to manage their inner critic and develop a more nurturing internal voice. In the context of therapy, CFT not only addresses emotional distress but also fosters resilience, ultimately guiding individuals towards a more compassionate and meaningful life.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
DBT is a structured form of therapy developed in the late 1980s originally designed to treat individuals with chronic self‑harm and suicidal behaviours, particularly those diagnosed with Emotionally Unsable Personality Disorder. Over time its use has broadened: DBT is now applied to a range of issues involving emotional dysregulation — including mood disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, trauma-related issues, etc. DBT belongs to what’s often called the “third wave” of cognitive‑behavioural therapies — integrating traditional behaviour‑change strategies with distress tolerance skills, emotional regulation skills, interpersonal effectiveness strategies and mindfulness-based approaches.
Five Step Method for
Significant Others
The five-step method for significant others affected by substance use is a therapeutic framework designed to provide support and guidance. The approach views individuals as ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. The approach emphasises understanding the family member's unique story, understanding the stress and strains caused by their loved one's addiction. It provides clear information on addiction, explores ways of coping and responding, enhancing support and communication networks and lastly identifying further needs. Together, these steps create a holistic approach to healing, resilience and hope.
