The therapeutic techniques Emma uses are evidence-based, which means that scientific research has demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing psychological problems. Depending on a client's issues, Emma will usually use a blend of the therapeutic approaches, described below, to assist clients make the changes they want in their lives.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) involves identifying the thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations (physiological symptoms), and behaviours (actions) that are leading to a problem (such as anxiety). Once these are identified, strategies such as challenging anxious thoughts, or gradually facing feared situations may be used as part of therapy. Many research studies have been conducted that support the effectiveness of CBT in overcoming common psychological problems such as anxiety disorders and depression. 

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is based on mindfulness and acceptance to cope with psychological distress. Mindfulness - paying attention to experiences (including our feelings) that are happening in present moment without trying to change or get rid them - has been shown by research to be effective in relieving a range of psychological problems and disorders.

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy involves identifying patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that are maintaining unhelpful and self-defeating behaviour patterns. Research is increasingly demonstrating Schema Therapy's effectiveness in reducing distress for recurrent psychological issues. 

EMDR

EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) is an evidence-based treatment for trauma memories, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, as well as emotion-based flashbacks associated with distressing experiences. Trauma not only includes life-threatening events, but can also include experiencing hurtful behaviour by others (e.g. emotionally neglected as a child, humiliated in social situations, or helplessness in the face of bullying at work) which lead to feelings of humiliation, shame, helplessness, and fear. For more information about EMDR, please visit https://emdraa.org/emdr-faq/

A review of the evidence for CBT can be found in: Hofmann, S., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I., Sawyer, A., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy & Research, 36(5), pp. 427-440.

A list of randomised-controlled trials supporting the effectiveness of ACT can be found at: http://contextualscience.org/ACT_Randomized_Controlled_Trials

For a review of the evidence for Schema Therapy, see: Masley, S. A., Gillanders, D. T., Simpson, S. G., & Taylor, M. A. (2012). A systematic review of the evidence base for Schema Therapy. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 41(3), pp. 185-202.