Types of Psychological Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is based on the theory that thoughts and behaviours affect how we feel physically and emotionally. This approach helps you to proactively intercept problematic cycles of thinking and behaviour. This is delivered using a variety of techniques, such as thought challenging or behavioural experiments. 

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a form of psychotherapy derived from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). DBT is most commonly used to treat those with Borderline Personality Disorder. The goal of therapy is to learn to tolerate your emotional distress and change it using DBT skills. Commonly this approach is split into four skills modules: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance. 

What issues might Dialectical Behaviour Therapy be used for?

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Substance Abuse
• Eating Disorders
• Depression
• Suicidal Thoughts / Self Harm

This approach to therapy is predominantly experiential, using meditation and breathing exercises to help you become more ‘present’ and aware of your internal and external world, whilst letting go of any judgement . This is helpful if you often ruminate about the past or worry too much about the future. In addition to this, research has shown that mindfulness therapy reduces the risk of relapse in recurrent depression by 43%.

This approach is used to treat problems associated with shame, self-criticism and self-hatred, which can be features of anxiety, depression and strongly associated with childhood trauma. The goal of CFT is to provide you with some tools to manage the emotional distress, looking at how you can think and behave in a way that is compassionate and caring towards your own suffering.

ACT develops psychological flexibility and is a form of behavioural therapy that combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance. ACT is essentially about learning to accept what you can’t control, and then recognising and committing to taking the actions that will improve your life and your mood. ACT is effective for a wide range of psychological disorders, and it is also effective as a life-affirming and inspirational perspective of self-determination.