Therapy
SCP provides psychological therapy for a range of problems, including:
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety and phobias, including panic attacks
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and reactions (PTSD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders
- Behavioural problems
- Anger problems
- Bereavement/adjustment problems
- Chronic health problems and health anxiety
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as M.E.)
- Low self-esteem
The main psychological models employed to inform psychological formulation and treatment are:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Behaviour Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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CBT is a short-term, structured therapy, whereby client and therapist work collaboratively to change difficult feelings and behaviours, by changing underlying thought patterns. CBT has a strong evidence-base, and is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) as the treatment of choice for a wide range of difficulties.
- Behaviour Therapy
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Behaviour Therapy is based on the idea that people can feel better by changing what they do. It may involve responding differently than usual to situations, or using rewards to reinforce positive actions and behaviours. Behaviour Therapy can be particularly useful with difficulties such as phobias and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and the theory behind it underlies the principles of most parenting interventions. It can be combined with Cognitive Therapy to form CBT (see above).
- Motivational Interviewing
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Motivational Interviewing is a directive, client-centred approach, which aims to facilitate behavioural change by exploring factors which impede this, such as ambivalence, and working towards resolving them.
- Person-Centred Therapy
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Person-Centred Therapy is a non-directive therapy, which takes place in a supportive, empathic environment, where the client takes the lead in determining the direction of the therapy. The goal is to increase insight and self-understanding, and to achieve personal growth.
- Systemic Therapy
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Systemic Therapy is also known as Family Therapy. The aim of this type of therapy is to understand the interaction and communication patterns within families. Families can then be helped to shift some of these patterns where they are hindering growth. A further aim is to identify and promote the positive resources that they have. Systemic therapy can be helpful for a range of problems, but research shows it to be particularly effective when there are difficulties within the family such as psychosis or eating problems.
SCP Psychologists also provide specialist parenting training, using the Webster-Stratton programme. This is a package tailored for parents whose children’s behaviour can be challenging. It involves learning about what motivates difficult behaviour, and techniques for promoting good behaviour, as well as reducing less desirable behaviour. This intervention is offered on an individual or a group basis.
All SCP Psychologists have experience and training in a range of therapeutic models. As such, as well as the main ones mentioned, they may also draw on others such as Personal Construct Theory, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic and Attachment based models.
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