Therese Paterson

Jargon Explained - Models of Therapy

There are many different types of therapy. As an "Integrative" therapist, I use the models described below, flexibly and collaboratively to adapt to what suits you best

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory assumes that feelings are a result of what we do and especially, how we think - our cognition. Difficulties in our thinking and behavioural patterns are seen as a consequence of "faulty" or unhelpful learning. CBT aims to identify and challenge/modify these patterns through questioning, experimenting and relearning. CBT focuses on symptoms in a rational and pragmatic way

Psychodynamic Therapy is based on the idea that current emotional and relational difficulties have their origin in childhood. Change is possible through insight gained by exploring the past and via the relationship between the therapist and client

Transactional Analysis (TA) sees our current views of ourselves and others as being influenced by ways of thinking and behaviour learnt in childhood. The concepts in TA are helpful for identifying and understanding these "scripts" and modifying them to more helpful ones. The theory of TA takes the stance that people are not isolated from each other but are always in interaction with each other

Systemic Therapy is similar to TA in proposing that people are always in interaction with each other. It concentrates on people's interactions with each other within social groups as well as how people are affected by society in general. The assumption is that personal change is best achieved by taking all the influences upon us into account

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) focuses on discovering and formulating the individual, repetitive patterns that occur in interactions with others. Once these patterns are understood they can be adapted and or changed. CAT differs from TA by its focus on an individual's unique patterns of behaviour rather than fitting them to a general and broad model of how people interact

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) specifically focuses on the effects of trauma. Our information processing can get "stuck" during trauma. This can result in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). EMDR uses structured steps through a safe and contained reprocessing (not a re-experiencing) of the traumatic event(s). In addition, situations that trigger current emotions, beliefs and sensations are explored. Future adaptive behaviours to alleviate fear responses which manifest as flashbacks, the need to avoid situations, depression etc. are enhanced