Therapeutic Approaches
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Unified Protocol
What is Unified Protocol? Unified Protocol is a type of therapy used in psychology to treat various mental health conditions. It is designed to help individuals who struggle with emotions, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. This therapeutic approach combines different techniques from existing therapies to provide a comprehensive and effective treatment. When is Unified…
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Reality Therapy
What is Reality therapy? Reality therapy operates on the fundamental idea that our meaningful conscious actions are deliberate choices made to fulfill our internal needs at any given moment. These needs include survival, love and belonging, power and self-worth, as well as fun and freedom. When these needs are satisfied, an individual is considered to…
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)? EMDR is a therapeutic approach used to treat trauma and related mental health conditions. It involves a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while focusing on distressing memories or thoughts. This process helps individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact…
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Trauma Informed Practice/Therapy
What is Trauma Informed Practice/Therapy? Trauma informed practice/therapy encompasses various psychological interventions that can target trauma, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapeutic approaches aim to provide education about trauma, equip individuals with stress management techniques, and assist them with facing distressing memories and challenging situations…
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Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. It involves being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. By cultivating mindfulness, you can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, enhance your ability to manage stress, and improve overall well-being. When…
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Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT)
What is Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy? Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) is a type of therapy that helps people understand and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It focuses on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs affect how we feel and act. By identifying and challenging irrational beliefs, REBT aims to replace them with…
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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
What is Interpersonal Therapy? Interpersonal therapy (IPT) or Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of therapy that focuses on improving relationships and interpersonal skills. It recognises that emotional well-being is greatly influenced by the quality of interactions with others. According to Stuart and Roberston (2012), interpersonal therapy is built upon two fundamental theoretical principles. The initial…
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Narrative Therapy
What is Narrative Therapy Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognises the power of personal narratives in shaping our lives. It views individuals as storytellers, actively constructing meaning and identity through the stories they tell themselves and others. This therapy aims to help individuals understand how their narratives influence their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.…
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Structural Family Therapy
What is Structural Family Therapy? Structural Family therapy is a type of therapy used in psychology to help families improve their communication, interactions, and relationships. It focuses on understanding and addressing the patterns and dynamics within a family system to bring about positive change. Structural Family therapy views the family as a system with interconnected…
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
What is Dialectical behaviour therapy Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a contemporary form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioural therapy with mindfulness practices. It is used in psychology to help individuals with intense emotions, impulsive behaviours, and relationship difficulties. According to the Australian Psychological Society (APS 2018), the overall goal is the reduction of ‘ineffective action…
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Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
What is Emotionally focused therapy? Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a type of therapy that helps improve relationships and emotional connections. It focuses on understanding emotions, attachment styles, and finding better ways to communicate and connect with others. EFT can be helpful for couples, families, or individuals who are having difficulties in their relationships and…
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Schema Therapy
What is Schema therapy? Schema therapy is a type of therapy used in psychology to help people understand and change deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behaviour that cause emotional and relationship difficulties. These patterns are called “schemas,” and they are often developed during childhood and continue to affect us in adulthood. When is Schema…
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Somatic Psychotherapy
What is Somatic psychotherapy? Somatic psychotherapy is a type of therapy that recognises the connection between the mind and body. It focuses on the physical sensations, movements, and experiences that are related to our emotions and psychological well-being. This therapy approach acknowledges that our bodies hold valuable information and can be used as a resource…
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Psychodynamic Therapy
What is Psychodynamic therapy? Psychodynamic therapy centres around the idea that our past experiences, especially those from childhood, have a significant influence on our thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present. It recognises that unresolved conflicts and unconscious thoughts can affect our overall well-being. When is Psychodynamic therapy used in psychology? Psychodynamic therapy is used…
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy? Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions instead of focusing on problems. It is a goal-oriented approach that helps clients identify their strengths and resources to create practical solutions and improve their current situation. When is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy used in psychology? SFBT…
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Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing Motivational interviewing is a directive, client-centered counselling style for eliciting behaviour change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. It is most centrally defined not by technique but by its spirit as a facilitative style for interpersonal relationship Rollnick, S., & Miller, W. R. (1995). What is motivational interviewing? Behavioural and Cognitive…
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Positive Psychology
What is positive psychology? Positive psychology is a ‘strength-based’ branch of psychology that focuses on promoting well-being and happiness by emphasising positive emotions, strengths, and virtues. It aims to help individuals flourish and lead fulfilling lives by focusing on their positive qualities and experiences. When is positive psychology used in therapy? Positive psychology is used…
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
What is Cognitive behaviour therapy? Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) explores the links between thoughts, emotions and behaviour. It is a directive, time-limited, structured approach used to treat a variety of mental health disorders. It is the most widely researched and empirically supported psychotherapeutic method. This strong evidence base is reflected in clinical guidelines, which recommend…
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT, is rapidly growing among mental health providers in Australia. With ACT providing a gentle and effective approach to treating mental health difficulties, many counsellors, therapists, social workers, teachers, psychologists, GP’s, occupational therapists, coaches and community nurses have chosen to learn more about what ACT has…