Therapies

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a structured therapy designed to help people recover from distressing or traumatic life experiences.
It works by addressing emotional wounds and mental blocks that can develop when events feel overwhelming or remain unprocessed.
Using carefully developed protocols, EMDR supports the brain’s natural capacity to heal by helping the information-processing system move toward resolution.
The approach follows an eight-phase framework and uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories.
Over time, distressing experiences can be integrated in a way that feels less charged and more manageable.
Unlike CBT, EMDR relies primarily on the client’s own emotional processing, rather than on cognitive restructuring or interpretation led by the therapist.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy approach that understands the mind as made up of different “parts,” rather than a single, unified self.
These parts often develop in response to difficult or overwhelming experiences, especially when we have needed to cope or protect ourselves.
Some parts work hard to manage life and prevent pain, while others may carry emotions such as fear, shame, or anger.
IFS invites a gentle, compassionate exploration of these parts, helping them feel heard rather than pushed away.
At the centre of the model is the “Self” — a calm, steady presence within each person that can lead with clarity and confidence.
Therapy focuses on strengthening this Self-leadership so protective and wounded parts can heal, leading to greater emotional balance and self-understanding.

CFT can be especially helpful for those who struggle with shame, harsh self-criticism, or feelings of inadequacy, often rooted in early experiences.
The approach develops self-compassion skills to help regulate mood and increase feelings of safety, acceptance, and emotional balance.
CFT works with three core emotional systems: the threat and protection system, the drive and achievement system, and the soothing and safeness system.
It recognises that our brains are shaped by evolution and can easily become stuck in survival responses — sometimes referred to as the “tricky brain.”
Therapy helps clients understand how older survival mechanisms (such as fight or flight) interact with more complex emotions like shame and self-criticism.
When these systems become imbalanced, distress can increase. CFT aims to restore balance and build a kinder, more supportive internal relationship.

CBT explores the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours.
These elements are closely connected, so making changes in one area can positively influence the others.
When we feel anxious or distressed, it’s easy to fall into patterns of thinking and reacting that unintentionally maintain the problem.
CBT helps bring these patterns into awareness so they are no longer automatic or unnoticed.
Therapy involves developing practical strategies and testing small, manageable changes to create more helpful ways of responding.
Between-session practice (often called homework) supports applying these skills in everyday life.
CBT is a well-established, evidence-based approach shown to be effective for a wide range of difficulties.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what’s been going on and see whether working together feels right.