Depending on the situation and the issue, various methods of different therapies are applied: CBT; ACT; SCHEMA; SYSTEMIC
Schematherapie
Schematherapy was developed by Jeffrey Young and aims at identifying and changing recurring dysfunctional patterns (schemata). The assumption is that these patterns were acquired during childhood due to a neglect of basic emotional needs.
In therapy, we first identify the schemata and the basic emotional needs. Thereafter, you will learn modes of behaviour that are focused on your emotional needs and reduce obstructive behaviour.
Systemic therapy
In systemic therapy the individual is considered as part of a system, i.e. his or her social context (family, work etc.), and the focus is set on the relationship processes within the system. The systemic approach assumes that a strained system hinders or even blocks the relationship processes and thus causes conflicts or disorders. The aim is to understand these processes and to develop tailored ways to approach conflicts.
As a first step, the system and the relationship processes are examined and the conflict is depicted in the context of the system. Thereafter, we strengthen the resources that are helpful for a positive relationship process and apply them in the relevant system. You will learn to integrate constructively into a family, couple or work system and to assume an autonomous role.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on helping individuals understand how their thinking about a situation affects the way they feel and act. In turn it considers how behaviour can affect thoughts and feelings. In this therapeutic approach, the client and the therapist work together to change the client’s behaviours, or their thinking patterns or both. CBT has a very wide evidence base and is one of the most popular therapeutic approaches.
CBT is an effective intervention for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and eating disorders. It is also often helpful for sleep difficulties, physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis and anger management.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy is a third wave cognitive-behavioural therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies together with commitment and behaviour strategies to increase psychological flexibility. ACT is particularly effective in helping people live in the present moment in a conscious way and being able to make choices and decisions on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behaviour in the service of their values.
The core message of ACT is to accept what is out of your personal control while committing to action that will improve the quality of your life. The aim of ACT is to help people live a meaningful life while handling the pain and stress that is an inevitable part of life. ACT teaches you psychological skills to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively and helps you understand what is truly important and meaningful to you. Mindfulness skills are central to ACT and are taught in order to facilitate the development of an ‘observing self’ that can help you notice both your physical experiences and your thinking processes.
ACT is a unique approach to behaviour change which deviates from the traditions of most common Western psychotherapies. It has a growing evidence base and is highly effective in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, substance misuse, chronic pain and anorexia. ACT can also be used as a model for life coaching and executive coaching.