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What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

I believe that therapy is about helping you restore your understanding and trust (both within yourself and with others), as most of us have felt immense hurt from others and have at times felt like we cannot trust ourselves. CBT works to help guide you to this goal, alongside your other personalised goals that you will have for therapy. To do this, it works by looking at specific areas of human reaction and behaviour that may occur when we are triggered by various negative experiences. 

 

We do this by looking at your thoughts (which we call your Cognitions and they can be despairing, anxious and self-critical in nature), your behaviours (which can be the things you did or did not do when triggered and this can either escalate or deescalate your distress) and your emotions (i.e. anger, worry, depressed and so forth). 

 

We call this triad (meaning the connection between your thoughts, behaviours and emotions) a "vicious cycle”. Simply because when we are unaware or afraid of trying a different reaction to our triggers, this keeps us stuck and in a self-fulfilling prophesy, which then reinforces our unhelpful thinking and negative emotions to the trigger. And this may be where we get expression of "feeling tired of being tired".

 

The consequence of this means we may feel unable to live life from our values and/or get stuck in narratives that do not support/serve us to live meaningful peaceful lives.

 

That is not to say that CBT is blaming you for your reactions/feelings, it is the contrary. CBT helps you discover where your control is, in sometimes what can feel like an uncontrollable situation. It gives you skills to better manage, knowing that it's not about trying to "get it right all the time" but being open to the learning that may come from triggering moments, which thus can help you with your emotional regulation. 

 

If you would like to read more about CBT and its efficacy in helping people like yourself, please see here. I also have a blog post explaining my approach further, which you can find here.

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My approach to CBT: 

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I offer a bespoke holistic, compassionate and collaborative experience. I do by using fundamental CBT principles, whilst ensuring that:


1) treatment honours your diversity/identity characteristics i.e. tell me about your culture, neurodiversity,  sexuality and spiritual practices if relevant, I am passionate about learning what influences how you think/feel.

2) safe space for us to name important contextual and societal issues that may play a role in your emotional distress i.e. racism, bullying, sexism etc.

3) using art to explore concepts of: self, emotions, reactions, subconscious patterns, spirit (for those who are spiritually minded) and authenticity.

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My method of drawing draws upon basic innate intuitive principles of African Centred Psychology/Spirituality (which by its philosophy means, anyone can do it, if they are willing to participate). I have named this model Trust In Spirit Freedom Art (TISFA), as it focuses on drawing from intuition and finding safe authentic self-expression.

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To see examples of what we can create please see client session drawings here.

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So in a nutshell if you choose to work with me, I endeavour to ensure that:

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  • Your Identity markers are openly discussed and considered i.e. race, culture, spirituality, sexuality and so forth

  • There is space for needed conversations around race and racism and managing stress from this (please see FAQ 14 for discretionary rate)

  • Support is given to you if you are living with a long-term health condition i.e. MS, COPD, POTs, diabetes and so forth (please see FAQ 14 for discretionary rate)

  • Exploring creative outlets via art, dance, music and nature

  • Holding a Safe, genuine, and holistic space

  • Using guidance from the Black Psychology African Centred Therapies Diploma

  • Using evidence-based practice from CBT

  • Using evidence based practice from EMDR

  • To use wisdom from working in mental health over 11 years, (from primary schools/CAMHS, Domestic Violence services, and Secondary Care including family interventions services i.e. such behavioural family therapy)

  • In groups settings where we use art, I use my experience of being a Tree of Life facilitator and my TISFA model

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Our working relationship

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  • I will be honest where I do not have the knowledge/experience to help.

  • Our work together will be collaborative

  • You will turn up to sessions as honestly as you can

  • We are learning from each other

  • You will be mindful of treatment terms and conditions

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