PM Psychology

Treatment of anxiety and depression depends greatly on the individual’s unique circumtances and, therefore, I take a meticulous approach to assessment to ensure that your needs are being considered. This greatly improves the chance of positive outcomes of therapy, with an approach that is flexible and adaptable, depending on your progress. Goals are set collaboratively and you are very much in control, to ensure a comfortable approach that does not overwhelm. The techniques used are all evidence-based, meaning that they have been shown in the research literature to be associated with positive outcomes. With a basis in CBT, other approaches are drawn upon to enhance effectiveness, including DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) skills training and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), at a pace that suits you.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based approach to helping individuals who may experience more intense emotional reactions. Originally designed as a treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT teaches skills that facilitate an individual being able to reconcile seemingly contradictory experiences: acceptance and change. There are various components to DBT: mindfulness skills to help an individual accept, rather than challenge feelings and experiences in order to reduce suffering; Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills to facilitate heathy, positive relationships with others; Emotion Regulation Skills, to facilitate a reduction in unwanted emotions and emotional vulnerability and Distress Tolerance Skills, facilitating an individual’s ability to reduce their experience of distress, including implementing self-soothing techniques. My individualised approach to treatment means that various skills from DBT are used where deemed appropriate, as part of an integrative approach to therapy.

I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy, as recommended by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). EMDR has a solid evidence base and continues to grow in popularity among therapists, with clients reporting benefits including the ease of engagement and positive outcomes. Given that not all approaches are suitable for all individuals, I am able to discuss other approaches to the treatment of trauma.

I am able to provide treatment for individuals who have either been subjected to domestic violence, or are willing to make changes having perpetrated domestic violence in the past. The definition of Domestic Violence is broad and includes physical violence, intimidation, emotional abuse, bullying, financial abuse, harassment and controlling behaviour. Domestic violence doesn't discriminate, regardless of class, age, sexuality, race or gender. Both men and woman of all walks of life can suffer it and I am able to approach the issue with care, experience, and discretion.

Survivors of Domestic Violence
I am aware of the sensitive nature of such situations and offer support in confidence as we aim to help. This is done by exploring your current situation and collaboratively working to set goals. Given the unique circumstances of each individual, I will explore your unique needs and determine a treatment plan accordingly. The therapeutic approach considers various techniques, drawn from different evidence-based therapies to ensure you receive the best possible service. This can involve one-one talking therapy, approaches to deal with any symptoms of trauma and/or support network and group therapy. This will be discussed with you to ensure you are comfortable with the suggested approach so that we can work together to move forwards.

Perpetrators of Domestic Violence
There are diverse factors that may lead to an individual being abusive in a relationship with a loved one. This can be relationship specific, or a pattern of behaviour across different relationships. I recognise that there is strength in seeking help to address one’s behaviour and that individuals experience difficulty in first recognising their own behaviour and in admitting they need help to change. As a starting point, I will explore your unique circumstances and, as a result, recommend a treatment plan as I work collaboratively towards your goals. Assessments explore factors including mental health, past trauma, personality and thinking styles to determine the appropriate approach that is right for you. The approaches used are evidence-based and draw on different techniques, depending on your needs. This can include: talking therapy, such as CBT, drawing on elements from DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy); skills training; EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy for any symptoms of trauma. The approach can be one-one or group based, depending on your needs.

Depending on your specific phobia, cause and personal preference, I am able to deliver treatment that suits your needs. This can include the talking therapy approach and/or desensitization. The approach is discussed and based on an assessment of your unique circumstances.

Individuals may not have a diagnosable disorder in order to experience such difficulties; therefore, I will explore, in depth, your unique circumstances before collaboratively setting goals to improve your quality of life. My approach to treatment is evidence-based and integrative, as I recognise the need for an adaptable approach in response to each individual’s unique circumstances. This can include: talking therapy, such as CBT, drawing on elements from DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy); skills training; EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy for any symptoms of trauma.

My approach to anger management is based on an exploration of your unique needs, following which we collaboratively plan a treatment programme, drawing upon elements from a range evidence-based approaches to ensure the best possible service. This can be addressed on a one-one basis, or in a group format, depending on your own needs and preferences.