Psychological Approaches
Supporting communication
People are complex. We are an integration of mind, body and spirit, within an ever changing social, cultural, economic and political landscape. Challenges and struggles throughout our lives can impact on our physical and emotional well being. It is an unavoidable part of being a human being.
Communication difficulties can be an obstacle to fully expressing thoughts, feelings and our needs, can obscure our identity and may thwart hopes, dreams and intentions.
Psychological approaches alongside speech and language therapy are very useful for responding to communication challenges. Below are some therapeutic approaches that Nicola offers.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is a values-driven therapeutic approach. It is a non-pathologising, non-blaming practice, which makes visible the skills, knowledge and expertise people bring to respond to problems. It shines a light on the influences of power, context, upbringing and culture on how one makes sense of oneself and the world. It highlights what is important in life. This deeply respectful approach, developed by Michael White and David Epston, shines a light on hopes, dreams and intentions, moving towards a preferred identity and way of living.
Compassion Focused Therapy
Compassion is at the heart of this approach. Developed by Paul Gilbert, it explores how a compassionate self can provide kindness, strength and wisdom to deal with everyday life and challenging situations. The “tricky mind” can be overly critical at times, causing anxiety, sadness, shame and anger.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an innovative approach developed by Stephen Hayes, Kirk Strosahl & Kelly Wilson to manage the upsetting and painful experiences of life. It is a contextual cognitive-behavioural intervention, designed to create psychological flexibility when confronted with uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. It recruits experiential wisdom, explores what matters in life and encourages taking committed actions towards achieving goals.
Clinical Hypnosis
Clinical Hypnosis uses the unconscious mind to unlock inner resources change habits, reduce anxieties and tap into inner strength. It can reframe uncomfortable and painful feelings and thoughts and overcome distress around communication. Psychotherapeutic behavioural and psychodynamic approaches are used in the “trance state” to bring about change. Nicola Gorb is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) (de Shazer) focuses on solutions to move towards a preferred future or outcome.