Counselling Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) - Narrative Therapy. 

The counselling approaches I use include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Narrative Therapy. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been called the “gold standard” for treating anxiety and mood disorders.  The theoretical approach was developed and modified by research findings – the approach has been proven, clinically, to work in improving anxiety, depression, and many other psychological problems.  It involves the relationship between our thoughts/beliefs, our behaviours, and our feelings (physical and emotional).  If we think of a time when we were most happy, you can envision positive thoughts, outgoing behaviour, and positive feelings.  The impact of our thoughts on our feelings and behaviours is very strong.  For those who struggle with anxiety or depression, their thoughts are unhelpful and have a damaging impact on their lives.  The therapy involves exploring and altering our thinking patterns (the cognitive aspect of the therapy).  Behaviours are also challenged in planned exercises called exposures, or by making specific changes to our routines.  Behaviours you will typically see challenged are avoidance, procrastination, and inactivity.  Clients complete homework exercises after each session to increase their skill base.  The benefit of this form the therapy is that you will have learned a new set of skills which you can call upon in the years to come – you learn to become your own therapist.

Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)

Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is a relatively newer form of treatment.  SFT shifted the focus of therapy from a problem focus to a solution focus.  Clients are recognized as the expert in guiding their own therapy.  Treatment focuses on the here and now – looking for solutions to our current difficulties.  When a challenge in life is identified, the therapist works with you to explore exceptions and coping resources.  Exceptions are times when the difficulty existed but we were able to cope and resolve the issue.  Our strengths and coping skills are drawn out and re-enforced – leaving people with the confidence that they can manage and improve their own lives.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy involves the telling and exploring of our stories.  When we are suffering, our concept of ourselves and our lives becomes narrowed.  If our world becomes “smaller” we tend to feel isolated and ineffective.  We quite literally become the problem.  Narrative Therapy seeks to explore our stories in order to open up and view who we are as a whole, not just the problem.  Strengths are highlighted and brought to light.  Narrative Therapy is also political.  The greater impact of society and how it affects us is assessed.  This form of therapy views the “problem” as outside of ourselves and assists those in taking back their power to positively affect their lives.

Counselling approaches are selected with the intent to best serve you.  Some people respond better to one form of therapy than another.  Some are very concrete and practical, and others like to explore ideas with broader discussion.  Although therapeutic approaches are important, the most important factor in counselling is the relationship between the counsellor and the client.  The therapeutic rapport is built on trust and acceptance; it needs to be genuine, supportive and non-judgemental.