My Kind of Psychotherapy

The way I look at people's problems includes a set of theories called Transactional Analysis (TA). I also draw on a wide variety of other therapeutic approaches, depending on the individual.

I believe that people live their lives the best they can. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's hard.

Sometimes, people find themselves stuck in patterns of thought, feeling, or behaviour that cause difficulty.

Part of what I aim to do as a therapist is to help people look at, and understand, these patterns - to gain more control again, and ultimately become more autonomous in their lives - fulfilling more of their potential.

Sometimes, I find it's useful to look at the way someone grew up - their environment, their childhood, their parenting, etc. in order to see what shaped them as an individual. I believe that when we look at our personal history it can be a useful tool in making changes in the present.

What about CBT?

Although I'm not a CBT therapist, I sometimes work in a way that uses many ideas and models that are common in CBT.

It's important to remember that there are many different 'styles' of therapy.

CBT may be right for you - but equally, it might not be right for you.

There is evidence to show that it helps some people - and similar evidence for other therapy approaches, too.......

That's why I believe in making the approach fitting to the client, rather than using a 'standardised' approach for everyone.

But Everyone Is Talking About It - Surely It's the New Big Thing...?

CBT has become more prominent in recent years, mostly due to political influences. Lord Layard has advised the government that CBT can be used to help those suffering from depression. His biggest motivation, though, is to reduce costs for the government. (Layard is an economist, not a psychotherapist!)

I am opposed to any government strategy that deliberately advertises one therapy over another, on the basis of economics. People's well-being is at stake - this isn't an economic issue. I think that the government (and its agencies) should be listening more to therapists and clients.