Therapy
Andrew Whaites, principal psychologist, on therapy:
I primarily work with clients within a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (aka Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, CBT) framework. CBT practitioners help clients make positive changes in their lives in a practical way.
CBT is a relatively brief and focused intervention. No single form of psychological and/or drug therapy can guarantee a 100% success rate in treating mental health concerns, but CBT is well-researched and has a solid evidence-base for the treatment of many mental health disorders.
Therapy usually takes place in 50-60 minute sessions. The first one or two sessions are usually about getting to know you and why you are in therapy; and for you to understand what to expect in therapy.
I will explain important information about your privacy; and check that you understand this. I will ask you to tell me why you have come to see me, and will usually also ask a range of questions about current functioning including in terms of physical health, relationships, and social activities. I will ask you to tell me about your personal history.
Once I have a good understanding of why you are in therapy we will engage in a process that involves elements of “psychoeducation”, or learning about diagnosed conditions and the principles behind CBT, and talking about your concerns in some detail. Generally the focus is on what is happening for you now and how your situation can be improved.
I will explain to you as we go the reasons for why I might want to know something or why I ask you to do things. Between sessions, you will usually have “homework” to do. This might involve examining and recording your thoughts and feelings, or practical work such as conducting psychological experiments, exposure tasks, or even relaxation exercises and fun activities.
It’s important that you let me know if you don’t understand anything or if something isn’t working for you. There are often different ways to achieve desired results and I am more than happy to try something differently.
For important information about your privacy, click here
I primarily work with clients within a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (aka Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, CBT) framework. CBT practitioners help clients make positive changes in their lives in a practical way.
CBT is a relatively brief and focused intervention. No single form of psychological and/or drug therapy can guarantee a 100% success rate in treating mental health concerns, but CBT is well-researched and has a solid evidence-base for the treatment of many mental health disorders.
Therapy usually takes place in 50-60 minute sessions. The first one or two sessions are usually about getting to know you and why you are in therapy; and for you to understand what to expect in therapy.
I will explain important information about your privacy; and check that you understand this. I will ask you to tell me why you have come to see me, and will usually also ask a range of questions about current functioning including in terms of physical health, relationships, and social activities. I will ask you to tell me about your personal history.
Once I have a good understanding of why you are in therapy we will engage in a process that involves elements of “psychoeducation”, or learning about diagnosed conditions and the principles behind CBT, and talking about your concerns in some detail. Generally the focus is on what is happening for you now and how your situation can be improved.
I will explain to you as we go the reasons for why I might want to know something or why I ask you to do things. Between sessions, you will usually have “homework” to do. This might involve examining and recording your thoughts and feelings, or practical work such as conducting psychological experiments, exposure tasks, or even relaxation exercises and fun activities.
It’s important that you let me know if you don’t understand anything or if something isn’t working for you. There are often different ways to achieve desired results and I am more than happy to try something differently.
For important information about your privacy, click here
