At Hall Psychology & Coaching, we understand that taking the first step can be challenging. But remember, seeking therapy is courageous and leads to great personal growth and emotional wellbeing. We provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely.
Therapy Options
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach to psychotherapy that stems from traditional behaviour therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. It helps clients behave more consistently with their values and apply mindfulness and acceptance skills in their responses to uncontrollable experiences. Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives. With this understanding, clients begin to accept their issues and hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their behaviour, regardless of what is going on in their lives, and how they feel about it.
ACT has been used effectively to help treat workplace stress, test anxiety, social anxiety disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis. It has also been used to help treat medical conditions such as chronic pain, substance abuse, and diabetes.
Coaching
Psychological coaching focuses on the positive aspects of the human condition, much like positive counselling; it does not focus on the negative, irrational, and pathological aspects of life. Coaching is specific and goal-oriented. Like sports coaching, psychological coaching concentrates on individual or group strengths and abilities that can be used in new and different ways to enhance performance, feel better about the self, ensure smooth life transitions, deal with challenges, achieve goals, become more successful, and improve the overall quality of one’s personal and professional life.
There are several different types of coaches, such as executive coaches, health coaches, and personal life coaches. Coaching is used in schools, business organizations, performance venues, and individual counselling programs. For instance, a health coach at a worksite wellness program may provide individual and group weight control counselling to employees and provide them with the skills and motivation they need to improve their health and set goals to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Coaching makes use of positive resources, such as hope, resilience, and optimism, all of which improve job satisfaction, performance, and dedication in the workplace.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a short-term form of psychotherapy directed at present-time issues and based on the idea that the way an individual thinks and feels affects the way that he or she behaves. The focus is on problem solving, and the goal is to change clients' thought patterns in order to change their responses to difficult situations. A CBT approach can be applied to a wide range of mental health issues and conditions.
CBT has been found to be highly or moderately effective in the treatment of depression, generalised anxiety disorder, childhood anxiety and depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, general stress, anger issues, panic disorders,agoraphobia, social phobia, eating disorders, marital difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. CBT may also be effective as an intervention for chronic pain conditions and associated distress.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) provides clients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. It is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that focuses on validating a person’s experiences in order to assist with personal acceptance despite life’s challenges. It has four approaches that work together to help individuals manage everyday life. First, mindfulness focuses on improving an individual's ability to accept and be present in the current moment. Second, distress tolerance is geared toward increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it. Third, emotion regulation covers strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life. Fourth, interpersonal effectiveness consists of techniques that allow a person to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.
DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. However, research shows that DBT has also been used successfully to treat people experiencing depression, bulimia, binge-eating, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic-stress disorder, and substance abuse. DBT skills are thought to have the capability of helping those who wish to improve their ability to regulate emotions, tolerate distress and negative emotion, be mindful and present in the given moment, and communicate and interact effectively with others.
Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness is the practice of purposefully and non-judgmentally paying attention to the present moment, fostering greater self-awareness and acceptance of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. It encourages a calm and open-minded approach to life, helping individuals manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational interviewing is a client centred counselling approach that aims to explore and strengthen an individual's intrinsic motivation for positive change. Grounded in empathy and collaboration, it helps clients resolve ambivalence and overcome resistance to change by fostering a non-confrontational, non-judgmental atmosphere. Motivational interviewing techniques, such as reflective listening and open-ended questions, guide clients towards articulating their own goals, values, and reasons for change. It is widely used in various contexts, including helping people with substance use problems, to empower individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards achieving their desired outcomes.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the scientific study of human strengths, wellbeing, and flourishing. It seeks to understand and promote the factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Unlike traditional psychology, which often emphasises the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, positive psychology explores topics such as happiness, resilience, optimism, gratitude, personal strengths, and the pursuit of life goals. Its goal is to enhance individuals' quality of life, foster positive emotions, and improve overall psychological health. Positive psychology offers valuable insights and evidence-based strategies that can help individuals and communities thrive and lead more fulfilling lives.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is considered an integrative approach that draws on elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic principles. In this form of therapy, the goal of treatment is to help identify maladaptive “schemas” – the deep unconditional beliefs about oneself, one’s relationship to others, and the environment, and the way one copes with schemas. There is a focus on healing schemas, changing entrenched patterns of behaviours, gaining an understanding on how to get emotional needs met, and learning to cope with the frustration and distress of not having one’s needs met. Schema Therapy is a moderate to long-term form of therapy and includes interpersonal, cognitive, emotion focused, and behavioural interventions. Schema Therapy is primarily used to treat personality disorders and “treatment resistant” psychological disorders. It has also been effective for assisting individuals with depression and eating disorders.
Solution Focused Therapy
Solution focused therapy is a goal-oriented and brief therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying a client's strengths and resources. It emphasises solutions rather than dwelling on problems, encouraging individuals to envision a future where their issues have improved. Through collaborative dialogue and targeted questions, this approach helps clients set clear, achievable goals and develop practical strategies to move towards a more preferred future. Solution-focused therapy is particularly effective for addressing a wide range of challenges, from relationship issues to personal growth and problem-solving, making it a valuable tool for positive change and progress.
Trauma informed Counselling
Trauma informed counselling is a therapeutic approach rooted in an understanding of the profound impact of trauma on an individual's life and well-being. It emphasises safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment, recognising that many individuals have experienced trauma in various forms. Trauma informed counsellors create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients are encouraged to explore and process their traumatic experiences at their own pace. This approach aims to help individuals heal, build resilience, and regain a sense of control over their lives while minimising retraumatisation.