Ways of working

There are many schools of counselling and psychotherapy, and the centre deliberately brings together therapists from several of them. You don't need to understand the differences to start: most people choose a person rather than a method. But if you're curious, here's a plain-English guide to the approaches practised here.

Whatever the approach, research consistently suggests that the relationship between you and your therapist matters most. Take your time in the first session or two to notice whether you feel comfortable, and whether you could, in time, really be yourself with this person. If not, it is fine to try someone else.

Person-centred

Built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. The therapist offers empathy, acceptance and honesty, creating the conditions for you to understand yourself more fully and find your own way forward, rather than giving advice.

Offered here by Steve Birtwistle, Carol Bendinelli, Catherine Manners, Dr Elizabeth Nicholl, Dr Leanne Timings

Humanistic and integrative

Integrative therapists draw on more than one model and shape the work around you. Humanistic integrative therapy pays attention to thoughts, feelings, the body and relationships, and to your capacity for choice and growth.

Offered here by Carol Bendinelli, Steve Birtwistle, Dr Elizabeth Nicholl, Catherine Manners

Psychodynamic

Explores how earlier experiences and relationships, including ones we may not be fully aware of, shape how we feel and behave now. Noticing patterns, including ones that show up between you and your therapist, can bring lasting change.

Offered here by Dr Elizabeth Nicholl

Existential

A philosophical approach to the big questions of being human: meaning, choice, freedom, isolation and mortality. It helps you face life's difficulties honestly and live more authentically and purposefully.

Offered here by Dr Elizabeth Nicholl

Gestalt and transactional analysis

Gestalt focuses on what you are experiencing right now, in thoughts, feelings and body. Transactional analysis offers a practical way to understand the roles and patterns we fall into with other people.

Offered here by Steve Birtwistle

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

A structured, practical approach that looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviour affect one another. Together you identify unhelpful patterns, test them out and try new ways of responding. Often time-limited, with things to try between sessions.

Offered here by Dr Leanne Timings, with CBT tools used by Carol Bendinelli

ACT and compassion-focused therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while moving towards what matters to you. Compassion-focused therapy is especially helpful when shame and self-criticism are loud.

Offered here by Dr Leanne Timings

EMDR and trauma-focused therapy

EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) helps the brain process distressing memories so they lose their charge. It is recommended by NICE for post-traumatic stress, alongside trauma-focused CBT.

Offered here by Dr Leanne Timings

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS understands the mind as made up of different parts, such as a critic, a protector or a hurt younger self. Therapy helps you get to know these parts with curiosity and compassion, rather than fighting them.

Offered here by Catherine Manners

Walk and talk

Not a model so much as a setting: sessions held while walking outdoors, side by side. Some people find it easier to talk when they're moving and not face to face.

Offered here by Steve Birtwistle

Checking a therapist's qualifications

Every therapist at the centre is qualified and a member of a professional body. It's always reasonable to ask a therapist about their training and registration, and a good therapist will be happy to tell you. You can also check the public registers kept by the BACP, UKCP, NCPS and HCPC.