The different types of therapies..
When working with clients in my clinical practice, I provide a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your unique needs. Here's a brief overview of my therapies and what clients can expect from each.
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used therapies globally. It focuses on changing unhelpful patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach to therapy that stems from traditional behaviour therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives. With this understanding, clients begin to accept their hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their behaviour, regardless of what is going on in their lives and how they feel about it.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is designed for individuals with long-term problems that may not respond well to traditional CBT. DBT is particularly helpful for issues such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, and relationship problems. My DBT program includes both group and individual therapy sessions. For more information, visit my dedicated DBT site at DBTsydney.com.au.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It is particularly effective for individuals struggling with substance abuse, health-related behaviours, and other areas where the motivation to change is a key factor. MI helps clients find their own reasons for making positive changes and supports them in taking steps towards their goals.
Schema Therapy is a longer-term approach aimed at addressing deep-seated patterns of behaviour, often referred to as self-defeating patterns. These schemas can develop early in life and be challenging to change. Schema Therapy helps individuals identify and alter these patterns in a lasting and sustainable way.
Length of Therapy
Short-term therapies like CBT, ACT, and MI typically involve six to ten sessions and focus on specific problems. These therapies help you understand your issues and develop effective strategies to address them.
For more complex or severe issues, longer-term therapies such as DBT and Schema Therapy may be more appropriate. Depending on your needs, these therapies can last from six months to several years.
Choosing the Right Approach
The selection of a specific therapy depends on the nature of your concerns and your individual preferences. For instance, while all the therapeutic approaches I offer can be effective for addressing symptoms of depression if your challenges are more focused on interpersonal relationships, you may find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are dealing with broader issues related to trauma, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) or Schema Therapy could potentially be more beneficial for you.
During our initial meeting, I will conduct a comprehensive assessment to better understand your unique needs and determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach for you. I recommend setting attainable goals at the outset and regularly reviewing your progress after approximately six sessions. Based on these reviews, we can collectively decide whether to continue with the current therapy plan or make adjustments as needed to meet your therapeutic needs better.