Emotional Health & Wellbeing Resource

Sep 12

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)   Definition:- (taken from the Helpguide.org) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma therapy developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy with bilateral eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left- right stimulation. One of the key elements of EMDR is “dual stimulation”. During treatment, you are asked to think or talk about memories, triggers, and painful emotions while simultaneously focusing on your therapist’s moving finger or another form of bilateral stimuli.   My definition:- EMDR is a form of psychotherapy most commonly used for the treatment of post traumatic stress symptoms. It is not yet known exactly how EMDR works but one of the theories is that the brain routinely manages and processes every event of our lives (often during sleep) without us being aware of it. However, if a person has been through an extremely traumatic or overwhelming event, or a person is repeatedly exposed to distress, this natural coping mechanism can become overwhelmed. Some experts have noted that the eye movements involved in EMDR might be similar to those that occur naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. It is thought that it […]
Sep 03

Counselling and Psychotherapy – General

Counselling and Psychotherapy – General   In this page I will talk about the terms counselling and psychotherapy in general. I will give specific definitions and explanations for the most common types of talking therapy on their own pages. Straight off I’m saying that it might be controversial in some circles that I’ve put these two under the same category as you might find some therapists that disagree but I will explain why I’ve put these two together. Counselling and psychotherapy are terms that can often be seen as interchangeable. Technically I was trained as a psychotherapist but will sometimes refer to myself as a counsellor if I think the term ‘Psychotherapy’ might scare someone off. However, when I worked at the council it often got confusing saying I was a counsellor (people would launch into speeches about their bins not being collected thinking I meant councillor) so I called myself a Psychotherapist. Some other people will say it’s all about the length of time of the therapy. If it’s short term it’s classed as counselling – long term is classed as Psychotherapy. I don’t think it really matters either way as long as you are comfortable with your therapist. […]
Sep 03

Relational Therapy

Relational Therapy   I’ve included this model of psychotherapy as it is a form of counselling that is quite widespread now and just happens to be the one that I practice. Don’t get this confused with Relationship Therapy as they are two different things.   Definition:- (taken from www.goodtherapy.org) Relational therapy is an approach that can help individuals recognise the role relationships play in the shaping of daily experiences, attempts to help people understand patterns appearing in the thoughts and feelings they have toward themselves. The practice of relational psychotherapy adheres to the following principles: It is important for a person to maintain fulfilling and satisfying relationships with those around them in order to maintain emotional health. Stress and emotional upheaval are often the result of past relational experiences, and these concerns may inhibit the present self from full expression. The therapist administering relational psychotherapy provides an atmosphere of empathy and attentiveness in order to elicit full disclosure of the experiences and events affecting the person seeking treatment, as well as the effects they have had both relationally and socially. The therapist and the person in therapy work together to forge a strong, collaborative, and secure relationship that can serve as […]
Sep 03

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy   Definition:- (taken from www.babcp.com) Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is a talking therapy based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical symptoms are all connected. It works on the theory that if we change one of these we can alter the others. When people feel worried or distressed they often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how they feel. CBT works to help them notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so they can feel better. CBT has lots of strategies that can help in the here and now.   My Definition:- CBT focuses on changing unhelpful styles of thinking or behaving in order to help someone feel better and relieve their physical symptoms.   What might a session be like? Each session will usually start with you completing a written agenda with your therapist for that session’s work. You will then work towards that agenda together. You may be asked to complete worksheets that are related to your issues. Work done in-between sessions (homework) is often involved and you will then review the work with your therapist in the next session. Sessions are usually structured. If the CBT […]