Services
Our therapists utilise strategies and theories from a number of different therapy types in their sessions, tailoring therapy to the client and their needs. These approaches may include (but are not limited to) Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Strengths-based therapy, Narrative therapy, and Systems-based therapy.
Working with Children, Behavioural Difficulties and Parenting Support
Working With Teens
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Client-Centered Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Parenting can be such a sensitive topic. When we have children, being a “Parent” becomes such an important part of our identity, and any suggestion that we are not “good parents” can be quite confronting. As a father of two boys, I have come to realise that none of us feel “good enough” as parents, and I'm not sure any good parent ever does.
In working with parents and children my goal is not to tell you how to parent “correctly” but to help parents find their own way to parent that works for their family. In working with children, it is important that the parents and/or caregivers are a part of the process. These sessions will involve an exploration of current patterns of behaviour and interactions in the home, education around communication and how the child’s mind works, and strategies for both parent and child to promote more positive interactions and behaviours.
Adolescence can be a difficult time. As children, the concepts of right and wrong are easy because mum and dad tell you, and there are consequences and rewards to guide you. As we approach adolescence the “carrot and the stick” approach works less and less, and we become more guided by our individual values. While this sounds all well and good, the brain is not fully developed until 25 years old, and teenage bodies are flooded with hormones. Not to mention the stresses of peer groups, changing bodies, and school. This combination can result in moodiness, conflict, and poor decision making (I don’t recall making a lot of great decisions myself as a teen).
Often when working with teens I find it is important that they understand that they are in charge of the sessions and that parents are just there for support. My focus is usually around values and self identity to promote motivation, resilience, and improved sense of self.
CBT is one of the most heavily researched and commonly used therapy approaches in use today. It focuses on concepts of problem-solving, objective and measurable behavioural change, and the impact of cognitive processes on our perceptions. Central to CBT is the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Strategies can include (but not limited to) thought challenging, calming strategies, and behaviour change techniques.
ACT is related to CBT in that it also incorporates elements of problem solving, objective and measurable behavioural change, and the impact of cognitive processes on our perceptions. ACT however has less structure that CBT and is more fluid in its delivery. Central to ACT is the concept of the Hexaflex (below). This allows the therapist and client to move from concept to concept as the session dictates. ACT has a stronger focus on grounding and mindfulness strategies, as well as working with clients around distinguishing things they have control over and things the need to learn to accept.
Also known as Person-Centered Therapy or Rogerian Therapy, this approach can be described as a “non-Directive” approach, meaning that the session is primarily directed by the client. In CCT it is the responsibility of the therapist to create a space for the “therapeutic relationship”. That is, the client needs to feel safe (not judged), heard, understood, and positively regarded.
Narratives or stories have been a key component of almost every culture on earth since before the beginning of recorded history. These stories help to shape and define cultural identity and values. When we recall events we automatically construct our own narrative around them. The way in which we do this impacts the way in which we view ourselves in the context of our surrounding environment. Narrative therapy looks at the way we construct our stories and, when necessary, challenges and reconstructs them so as to be more accurate or functional.