Types of Therapy

Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy emphasises the unique experiences and perspectives of the individual. This approach aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself, enhance one's relationships, and promote a greater sense of well-being. It focuses on you as an individual and your relationships and the world around you including the relationship between client and therapist. Most of the practitioners at Openings have been trained within the humanistic approach which is about free will, self-discovery and achieving your full potential as a human being.

Biodynamic Psychotherapy is a unique branch of body psychotherapy developed by Gerda Boyesen. Based on a biological theory of psychology, it is directly concerned with the organic link between the body and the psyche, and their integrated functioning. Orthodox verbal psychotherapy is combined with a range of specially devised massage techniques, breathwork, body awareness exercises, regression, and emotional expression work to help resolve the client’s physical as well as psycho-emotional problems.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used evidence-based therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, behaviours and emotions. It aims to help individuals identify, challenge and modify negative patterns of thinking and behaviour, and develop more helpful alternatives. CBT can be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, unhealthy perfectionism and low self-esteem. Specialised forms of CBT have also been developed to treat eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and insomnia.

Core Process Psychotherapy is an approach to therapy that draws on Buddhist psychology and mindfulness practices. It focuses on an embodied (paying attention to the body) exploration of the deepest layers of consciousness and helps individuals connect with their core sense of being. This approach can help individuals become aware of and transform unconscious patterns of behaviour and develop a greater sense of self-awareness and compassion. Core Process Psychotherapy can be effective in treating a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Couples Counselling is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. It places an emphasis on listening and understanding the issues you have in your relationship. It aims to help couples gain a better understanding of each other's needs and perspectives, and develop healthier ways of relating to each other.

Dreamwork is a pathway to self-understanding. We use the insights of our waking selves to explore the dramas of our dreaming selves. In doing so, we can gain a deeper and richer understanding of our history and our future direction in life.

Child and adolescent psychotherapy integrate many theoretical approaches to meet with sensitive understanding the unique needs of each child. The aim is to help children develop greater self-awareness, emotionally regulate, feel more resilient, build healthy relationships and reach educational and developmental milestones. This approach can be effective in addressing a range of mental health issues that children may experience, such as anxiety, low mood, trauma, developmental deficit, and behavioural problems.

Integrative counselling blends multiple theoretical perspectives and therapeutic interventions to create a tailored approach for each client. This flexible and responsive approach recognises that a one-size-fits-all approach is not always effective. 

Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy is a Buddhist based psychotherapeutic model which understands that awareness is transformative. This core knowing enables an opening into change and healing, so that suffering can be eased as we allow self acceptance and compassion to emerge.

Person-Centred Psychotherapy is based on the belief that individuals have the capacity for growth and change within themselves. The therapist engages with the feelings of the client. Empathy and unconditional positive regard are central to the approach. The therapist works to create a safe and non-judgmental space where feelings can be fully discussed and experienced. This approach can be effective in helping individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

Psychosynthesis is a holistic and integrative approach to therapy that emphasises the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It draws on a range of therapeutic techniques, such as visualisation, meditation, and guided imagery, to facilitate personal growth and self-realisation. This approach can be effective in helping individuals explore their inner world and discover their true potential, leading to greater self-awareness, meaning, and purpose in life.

Supervision in counselling and psychotherapy is a collaborative process in which therapists discuss their client cases and receive feedback and support from a more experienced therapist or supervisor. It provides a safe and confidential space for therapists to reflect on their practice, develop their skills, and ensure ethical and professional standards are met. Supervision is a crucial aspect of ongoing professional development and can enhance the quality of care provided to clients.

Transpersonal Therapy is a holistic approach to therapy that recognises deeper, spiritual dimensions of human experience. It seeks to integrate and transcend personal and cultural limitations to promote greater self-awareness, connection, and wholeness. Transpersonal Therapy can combine techniques from traditional psychotherapy, such as talking therapy and working with dreams, with spiritual practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and visualisation, to facilitate personal growth and transformation. It draws on centuries of theory and wisdom from both Eastern and Western traditions.

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is a type of talking therapy that mainly focuses on relationship patterns and their effect on our lives.  It is based on the idea that our early life experiences shape and influence the way that we relate to other people and how we treat ourselves.  As children, we adapt to the environment we live in but this may lead to us developing unhelpful and repeating patterns of behaviour that cause problems in our adult lives. For example, we may find it difficult to be assertive or open with other people, or we may find ourselves struggling with perfectionism or the effects of a harsh inner critic.

EMDR is a psychotherapy technique used to treat trauma-related conditions. It involves recalling distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements. This bilateral stimulation helps process traumatic memories, reducing distress and promoting healing. EMDR is conducted in a structured manner over multiple sessions, guided by a trained professional. Research has shown its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related disorders.