Therapeutic Approaches - Think Well Psychology

therapeutic-approaches

schema therapy

Schema Therapy, developed by psychologist Jeffrey E. Young, is an integrative psychotherapy approach designed to treat chronic psychological difficulties, including those strongly influenced by early life experiences and maladaptive coping mechanisms. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment theory, psychodynamic principles, and emotion-focused therapy.

Two central elements of Schema Therapy are Schemas and Modes. Schemas are considered deeply ingrained patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that develop in childhood and persist into adulthood. Modes are parts of a person’s behavioural and emotional presentation in any given moment and are referred to in Schema Therapy sessions as Child Modes, Critic Modes, Coping Modes, and the Healthy Adult Mode.

Nonviolent Communication

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication framework developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s. It is designed to facilitate compassionate and empathetic communication, fostering understanding, connection, and conflict resolution. NVC is based on the belief that all people have the capacity for compassion and empathy, and that conflicts often arise from miscommunication and unmet needs.

The four core components of Nonviolent Communication include:

Observations: stating what is seen and heard, without interpretations or assumptions
Feelings: identifying and expressing emotions clearly and honestly
Needs: identifying and communicating our own needs, and empathising with the needs of others, and
Requests: clearly and respectfully stating what we need, being open to negotiation, and avoiding demands or coercion

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, and that changing one can lead to changes in the others.

Key components of CBT include:

Cognitive Restructuring: identifying and challenging negative or irrational thought patterns
Behavioural Activation: increasing engagement in positive and meaningful activities, even when feeling depressed or anxious
Exposure Therapy: gradually and systematically confront feared situations or stimuli in a safe and controlled manner, to reduce anxiety and overcome avoidance behaviours
Skills Training: developing skills in relaxation, problem-solving, assertiveness and social skills

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan. Initially designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has since been adapted for use with anyone struggling with emotion dysregulation and difficulty managing distress.

Key components of DBT include:

Mindfulness: developing awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the present moment without judgment
Distress Tolerance: learning skills for coping with distressing situations without resorting to harmful or impulsive behaviours, including distraction techniques, self-soothing activities, and crisis survival strategies
Emotion Regulation: increasing emotional awareness, reducing emotional vulnerability, and developing healthier ways of expressing and responding to emotions
Interpersonal Effectiveness: improving communication and relationship skills, including assertiveness, negotiation, and conflict resolution

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It was developed by psychologist Steven C. Hayes and his colleagues in the 1980s. ACT is based on the idea that psychological suffering is often caused by the struggle to control or avoid unwanted thoughts, emotions, and sensations, and that true wellbeing comes from accepting these experiences and committing to actions that align with one’s values and goals.

Key components of ACT include: Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Mindfulness in the Present Moment, Clarifying Values, Committed Action, and Self-as-Context. It has been applied successfully to a wide range of psychological issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, substance abuse, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties.