THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Below is a list of approaches commonly used in our practice. Each one is carefully selected by each therapist to meet the individual needs of each client, is informed by evidence from scientific and psychotherapeutic research, and is applied using a person-centred, accepting and non-judgemental stance.
Integrative Therapy
Many years of training and experience in multiple forms of therapy can lead to a way of working that incorporates different approaches. It takes time to know when and how to use different theories and techniques, while maintaining a cohesive experience for the client, and ensuring the effectiveness of any given model is not diluted.
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​We work with each client to meet their individual needs and together we agree on the best approach/combination of approaches to use in treating their particular difficulties and to provide the best results to therapy. Integrative therapy at True North Psychology can include a blend of the following specialisms.
ACT encourages embracing thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them. It develops psychological flexibility by combining behavioral therapy with mindfulness skills and self-acceptance practices. Effective for stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, psychosis, and managing chronic physical conditions.
CBT focuses on the interconnection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations. It aims to identify and change unhelpful patterns. Effective for stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, psychosis, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and chronic medical conditions.
CFT helps strengthen inner resources of wisdom, courage, and self-compassion to relieve suffering. It engages with suffering and develops skills to reduce distress. Effective for anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and issues related to shame and self-criticism.
EMDR is a structured therapy for trauma recovery, using bilateral stimulation to reduce the vividness and emotion associated with trauma memories. Proven effective for PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
This in-depth approach focuses on individual strengths, free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning. It aims to help people live more authentically. While more research is needed, it shows promise, particularly in meaning-centered therapy for terminal illness.
Gendlin's Focusing emphasizes awareness of bodily sensations and feelings associated with issues. It facilitates deeper levels of meaning and positive change. Often used in conjunction with other therapies, more research is needed to establish its comparative efficacy.
Mindfulness teaches present-moment awareness to manage negative thoughts associated with depression and anxiety. Techniques include meditation, breathing exercises, imagery, and body work. Growing research supports its effectiveness and benefits.
This in-depth approach examines unconscious thoughts and unresolved conflicts from past relationships. It aims to increase understanding of emotional "blind spots" and relationship patterns to facilitate change. Substantial evidence supports its effectiveness for various mental health conditions.
Designed for families, couples, and other relationships, this approach focuses on how relationship quality affects overall wellbeing. It aims to improve communication and find collective ways forward. Substantial evidence supports its effectiveness for a wide range of mental health concerns.