EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach option that is evidence-based and extensively researched. It is proven effective for, as the name suggests, desensitizing and reprocessing traumatic events.

EMDR aims to reprocess mental images and memories of traumatic events, effectively changing the way our minds have stored these experiences. After EMDR treatment we can still remember the past memories of traumatic events, but once reprocessed these memories are no longer deeply upsetting or disturbing. EMDR allows for these traumatic memories to be remembered rather than re-lived, freeing us to live without being burdened by these past traumas. For more information about EMRD please click here.

Equally used for individuals as well as couples and adapted largely form psychological schools of thought that look at the person as a whole, our approach to Sexual Health & Wellbeing acknowledges that there may be underlying reasons for sexual dysfunction or unhappiness that could be related to our attachment styles. Using psychology principals such as Young’s schema therapy (see schema therapy) we may identify maladaptive or unhealthy attachment styles that developed early on in your life that could be impacting your sexual health and wellbeing in the present. We utilise a intersectional and collaborative framework in all areas of practice and are sure to keep in view cultural and societal norms when discussing and challenging maladaptive sexual experiences. Other therapeutic modalities discussed here may be incorporated or suggested dependent upon your individual need.

Gottman Method Relationship Therapy was developed on the back of John Gottman’s 40+ year career on research into the interaction with couples and adapted into a therapeutic program alongside his wife and fellow psychologist Julie Gottman. It aims to uncover difficulties in communication, identify, name, and challenges types of language or behaviour that research has proven could indicate the road to separation as well as to build awareness of you and your partner’s awareness of worldview, aspirations, and dreams. Couples can improve their ability to manage conflict, learn the power of accepting influence in conversation, and to solve problems that are solvable. With queer identifying couples, we strive to ensure that this intervention is adapted to working with all types of couples from LGBTIQA+ communities.

Schema Therapy is aimed to address unmet needs that may have originated during our formation of “attachment styles” that largely stem from childhood. Once schema types are identified, the client and therapist can use this information to assist clients to manage patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving related to this schema style and develop healthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to replace them. Schema therapy is a way of challenging unwanted core thoughts about oneself and making progress toward feeling better about oneself even when other methods may have been tried and were unsuccessful. This type of therapy can easily be adapted and integrated into other therapies and modalities to assist client and therapist navigate toward the client’s defined goals

CBT seeks to change unhelpful thought or behavioural patterns. It aims to bring attention to the connection on how someone’s thoughts may impact their mood, and therefore change course on unwanted actions based on these thoughts and behaviours. The goal would be to think in a less negative way about life and about themselves through closely looking at thought and behaviour patterns in session and then setting goals, assigning homework, toward changing unwanted thoughts, behaviours, and actions from unhelpful or maladaptive toward more helpful/adaptive behaviours, thoughts, and therefore actions.

Motivational Interviewing is a goal-oriented and collaborative method of communication that pays close attention to the language of change. The aim is to strengthen an individual’s motivation for and movement toward a specific goal by exploring and using someone’s own thoughts and commitment to change. Through client-centred conversation, one’s own motivation and commitment to change can be evoked and manifested.

EFT is a psychotherapeutic approach that believes that our emotions are key to our personality and identity. It assumes that by not connecting with our own emotional awareness or by avoiding “bad” or “unpleasant” emotions we can ignore important information that our emotions provide to us. EFT is a type of short-term therapy appropriate for individuals, couples, and families that is evidence-based and founded on research, focusing attachment bonds. The aim of therapy is to form a more secure emotional bond which can result in stronger relationships with yourself and others. It is a therapy that is well suited with couples struggling with distress, poor communication, infidelity, traumatic events, or general conflict. The goal and benefits of EFT are generally improved interpersonal understanding, better emotional functioning, and stronger bonds.

ACT (pronounced “act”) is a form of evidence-based CBT aimed at helping people to live a more mindful, in-the-moment life by taking actions guided by our own personal values. ACT instils a range of acceptance skills and mindfulness to help people manage painful feelings and negative thoughts so that they these have a lessened impact on their lives. ACT is built on the principle that although pain is an inevitable part of life, we can overcome unwanted feelings and intrusive thoughts to lead a fuller life. ACT encourages us to stop running away or struggling against pain so that we may connect with the parts of life that truly matter to us and in doing so act toward improving our quality of life.

Sometimes referred to “as needed” therapy, this approach puts the client in the driver seat to determine what is needed and when. It can be potentially useful in instances where someone may require some brief support, but long-term counselling may not be accessible to them because of time constraints or not having the funds for ongoing therapy (like many, we feel that mental health is grossly under-funded). The name is a bit of a misnomer as it often can occur over two or three sessions, but once-off sessions can be beneficial if a client is seeking assistance with a very specific issue or seeking very specific skills and do not need ongoing help or support. The client then takes away the skills they need from the session and can decide to book in for another session later as needed.

NBT is a therapeutic approach created by Professor Jeff Young to engage with people who are unsure, suspicious, or cynical about counselling and therefore reluctant to seek out counselling. NBT is based on the thought that therapy should fit clients, not the other way around. It aims to establish a “mandate” or how/what to work on, marry honesty and directness with warmth and care, be transparent about what therapy is and isn’t, and avoids jargon. It is similar in some ways to Single Session Therapy in that it “cuts to the chase” through its direct and honest yet warm approach.