Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based psychological treatment that focuses on the interaction between thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical sensations. It is based on the idea that unhelpful thinking patterns contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviours and that modifying these patterns can improve wellbeing. CBT is goal-oriented, present-focused, and skills-based, often involving techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and exposure.
CBT is effective for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioural therapy that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present and act in line with personal values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate distress, ACT teaches acceptance, cognitive defusion (stepping back from thoughts), mindfulness and committed action. Together, these help people relate differently to internal experiences and build meaningful, value-driven lives.
ACT is effective across a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, trauma-related difficulties, substance use, and stress-related problems.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based therapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. The term “dialectical” reflects its core balance between change and acceptance—helping individuals improve behaviours while also validating their experiences. DBT focuses on four key skills that support individuals in managing intense emotions, reducing impulsive behaviours, and improving relationships.
DBT is effective for individuals experiencing chronic emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal behaviours, eating disorders, substance use, and certain mood and anxiety disorders.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy that views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own thoughts, emotions, and roles. Some parts protect us (managers and firefighters), while others carry pain from past experiences (exiles). At the centre is the “Self,” a calm, compassionate core that can lead healing. IFS helps individuals build awareness of their internal system, reduce conflict between parts and heal wounded parts through curiosity, compassion, and connection rather than control.
IFS is used to treat a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties. It is particularly effective for complex or long-standing emotional patterns.
Schema Therapy focuses on identifying and changing deeply ingrained patterns called “schemas,” which are formed when core emotional needs are not adequately met. These schemas influence how individuals think, feel, and behave in adulthood, often leading to repeated difficulties. The therapy also explores “modes,” or moment-to-moment emotional states or coping modes. Through techniques like imagery rescripting and chair work, Schema Therapy helps individuals meet unmet needs in healthier ways and develop a stronger, more stable sense of self.
Schema Therapy is commonly used for personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder, as well as chronic depression, anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, and long-standing relational or self-esteem issues.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-processing treatment. It is based on the idea that distressing experiences can become “stuck” in the brain leading to ongoing emotional and psychological difficulties. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they become less distressing and more adaptive. During EMDR, individuals briefly focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements), which supports processing and integration of adaptive beliefs.
EMDR is best known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also used for anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other trauma-related or distressing experiences.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT), also known as the Maudsley approach, is an evidence-based treatment for eating disorders in children and adolescents. It actively involves parents as the primary agents of change, supporting them to restore their child’s weight and normalise eating behaviours at home. FBT views the illness as separate from the child and avoids blaming families. Instead, it empowers them with practical strategies to take charge of meals and interrupt disordered behaviours.
FBT is most effective for anorexia nervosa and is also used for other eating disorders in adolescents. It is widely regarded as a first-line treatment, helping families support recovery in a structured, collaborative way.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy specifically designed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves gradually exposing individuals to feared thoughts, images, or situations (exposure) while helping them resist engaging in compulsive behaviours or rituals (response prevention). By facing fears without performing rituals, individuals learn that anxiety naturally decreases and that feared outcomes are unlikely or manageable.
ERP is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD and is also used for related conditions such as health anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, and certain phobias. ERP helps reduce avoidance, increase tolerance of uncertainty, and build confidence in managing distress without reliance on compulsions.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an integrative therapy designed to help individuals who experience high levels of shame, self-criticism and difficulty feeling safe or soothed. CFT draws on evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and neuroscience to explain how the mind regulates threat, drive, and soothing systems. The therapy focuses on cultivating compassion toward oneself and others through practices such as compassionate imagery, soothing rhythm breathing, and developing a supportive inner voice. This helps individuals reduce harsh self-judgment and build emotional safety.
CFT is used for a range of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. It is particularly helpful for people who struggle with chronic shame or self-criticism
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited therapy that focuses on improving the quality of a person’s relationships and social functioning to reduce psychological distress. It is based on the idea that mental health symptoms are closely linked to interpersonal problems and life transitions. IPT typically focuses on helping individuals identify patterns in relationships, improve communication skills, express emotions more effectively and strengthen social support.
IPT is most commonly used to treat depression, but is also effective for anxiety disorders, eating disorders and perinatal depression. IPT is especially valuable when symptoms are triggered or maintained by interpersonal stressors or life changes.
Existential Therapy is a philosophical and experiential form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals confront fundamental aspects of human existence, such as meaning, freedom, responsibility, isolation, and mortality. Rather than viewing psychological distress as a disorder to be “fixed,” it understands suffering as a natural response to the challenges of being human. The therapy encourages individuals to explore how they relate to these existential themes and to make authentic choices aligned with their values. It emphasises personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the creation of meaning in life.
It is often used with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, identity struggles, and life transitions. It is particularly helpful when people feel stuck, empty, or disconnected from purpose.
Mindfulness-based therapies teach individuals to intentionally focus attention on the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgment. They are grounded in mindfulness practices derived from contemplative traditions but adapted into structured clinical interventions. Common approaches include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These therapies help individuals observe thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without becoming overwhelmed or reacting automatically. Mindfulness therapies can also reduce rumination, emotional reactivity and avoidance, while improving emotional regulation and psychological flexibility.
They are used to treat a range of conditions, including depression (especially relapse prevention), anxiety disorders, chronic pain, stress-related conditions and eating disorders.
