Huon Counselling

Approaches

I use a range of approaches in my work, integrating therapeutic modalities to meet individual needs depending on context. I am in the process of updating this section of the website and will include further information at a later date. In the meatime, a brief overview of a few of the most common practices I draw from can be found below. 

Compassion Focused Therapy

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is founded in a range of theories, including evolutionary neuroscience, attachment theory, and Buddhist psychology. There is a growing body of research showing that compassionate thinking has therapeutic benefits.  The focus of therapy is on understanding the way our brains have evolved to affect our emotions, and on developing compassion for both ourselves and others. A combination of cognitive behavioural and soothing meditation techniques are used to help reduce self criticism, feelings of shame, and increase feelings of safety and self-worth.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the act of being fully aware within the present moment. Mindfulness techniques help to bring us into this state of awareness, by directing our concentration and focus to the physical sensations of our bodies (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste). We also learn to become non judgmentally aware and observant of our thoughts and feelings, so that we are less overwhelmed by them. This allows us to gently guide our attention toward the sensations we choose. Both Compassion Focused and Acceptance and Commitment therapies have mindfulness techniques as a key component; and there is a large body of evidence to show that mindfulness provides benefits for both physical and psychological well-being. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provides a framework to help people identify thoughts and beliefs (cognitions) that can lead to difficult feelings and behaviours, and to implement strategies that provide immediate improvement in quality of life. Central to the process is developing a strong therapeutic collaboration, assisting clients to ultimately feel confident to “become their own therapist”.
Techniques are many and varied, but can generally be summarised as those that address cognitions (such as thought monitoring and cognitive restructuring), and those that implement behavioural measures (such as progressive muscle relaxation and pleasant activity scheduling). CBT is the most widely used psychological intervention, and has a long history of research supporting its value to aid in human well-being. Many more recent modalities have developed as adaptations of cognitive behavioural therapy to address contextual limitations and specific client needs. 

From the Beck Institute: 

CBT therapists use an individual formulation to guide treatment for each client. This formulation is essential to developing a sound therapeutic relationship, setting goals, planning treatment, and selecting interventions.

Fourteen tenets of good CBT: 
  1. CBT treatment plans are based on an ever-evolving cognitive conceptualization. 
  2. CBT requires a sound therapeutic relationship. 
  3. CBT continually monitors client progress. 
  4. CBT is culturally adapted and tailors treatment to the individual. 
  5. CBT emphasizes the positive. 
  6. CBT stresses collaboration and active participation. 
  7. CBT is aspirational, values based, and goal oriented. 
  8. CBT initially emphasizes the present. 
  9. CBT is educative. 
  10. CBT is time sensitive. 
  11. CBT sessions are structured. 
  12. CBT uses guided discovery and teaches clients to respond to their dysfunctional cognitionshttps://beckinstitute.org/about/understanding-cbt/
Anna Hopwood Counselling