Evidence Based Therapy at LifeConnect
LifeConnect practitioners are highly skilled in different types of therapy. Scientific studies show that therapy is most successful when the treatment is matched to the challenge you are facing and that you feel at ease with the therapist. It is important that you can feel there is a safe space to share openly and that your therapist is able to give you a sense of feeling seen, heard and understood. In our first session with you, if necessary, we will help you to find the right treatment and practitioner with either a psychologist or psychotherapist.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is scientifically proven for effective treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, insomnia and panic disorder.
In CBT, your therapist works with you to identify thoughts that are causing distress. The treatment is based on the principle that ineffective or self-defeating behaviour is triggered by automatic thoughts that may not reflect reality. CBT attempts to challenge and change behaviour by examining the assumptions behind those thoughts. The aim is that over time you will learn to let go of core beliefs about yourself which are having a negative impact on your work, relationships and general emotional well-being. With the support of your therapist you will begin to feel more in control of your life and behaviour.
2. Psychotherapy: Self-Psychology and the Conversational model
Central to the approach of self-psychology is building a strong cohesive self with clear ambitions and ideals. When confronted with stress, grief or significant change, your self-esteem may become depleted and feelings of being overwhelmed or without a purpose can emerge. In this context, you may have trouble forming a healthy relationship or feel that your personal growth has stopped.
In self-psychology your therapist will examine relationships and unmet developmental needs throughout your lifespan. This allows for an understanding of how you can have your emotional needs met in the present. This type of therapy may be experienced as a journey towards a sense of wholeness, contentment and openness. The outcome may be higher self-esteem, the ability to form healthy relationships and greater resilience in stressful circumstances.
The conversational model examines both what is said in therapy and also the way it is communicated. In this way, your therapist is able to work at a deeper level to address core beliefs you may hold about yourself. Both self-psychology and the conversational model have a basis in Attachment Theory. The approaches differ from CBT in their recognition of an inner self or inner life.
3. Relationship counselling
Couples therapy is helpful for improving communication, increasing intimacy and protecting the relationship from other sources of stress. By showing interest and curiosity for your partner you are more likely to gain a greater understanding of who your partner is. These skills allows for each other to feel seen heard and understood and add to the possibility of creating a safe space to be developed for the relationship. The sense of safety is key to being able to negotiate and navigate a path through life challenges and resolving conflict.
You may be seeking advice around having children, parenting skills, the effects of workplace and financial stress, handling relatives and healing after a breakdown in the relationship. The insight gained in therapy will provide guidance for future challenges and may serve to rekindle hope and intimacy.
4. Life Coaching
Coaching is helpful for people who would like support to reach a specific goal. You may be looking to improve your work satisfaction, change jobs, find a partner or lose weight. The coach supports you in clarifying the direction, staying motivated and keeping focused on this goal. In this way, the coach acts as both a catalyst and a facilitator for change. Setting realistic goals and overcoming perceived obstacles may lead you to new solutions and options. Unlike therapy, coaching is focused on current and future action and does not examine the past or diagnose mental illness.
5. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness is the meditative practice of moment-to-moment awareness of the body, mind and surroundings. Studies of MBSR in the United States and UK have provided evidence that it is effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain management and eating disorders.
Learning to be fully present in each moment is linked to greater feelings of well-being and contentment. Mindfulness also offers fresh insight into parenting skills. Find out more on Mindful Parenting on our resources page.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is an eight week course run by LifeConnect to help build resilience and provide relief from physical and emotional difficulties. The course increases awareness of automatic thinking and behaviour and provides the tools to feel more relaxed and in control in daily life.
