Frequently Asked Questions

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a short term psychotherapy approach for working with couples. Based on the principles of emotion theory and attachment theory, it is humanistic in nature. Emotions in and of themselves have potential which can help clients change problematic emotional states or unwanted self-experiences. As emotions are connected to our most essential needs they prepare and guide us in important relational situations. Clients undergoing EFT are helped to better identify, experience, explore, make sense of, transform and flexibly manage emotional experiences.

Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT is a therapeutic approach that aims to solve problems which are associated with dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and thoughts through a goal-oriented, systematic talking procedure with a therapist along with day to day practice outside the therapy office. Treatment is often supported through use of a manual. The techniques used in this therapy are often directive and brief in nature. There is research evidence that CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including mood, anxiety, and personality problems.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time limited psychotherapy, usually lasting between 12 and 16 sessions which focuses on the interpersonal context and on building interpersonal skills. IPT rests on the belief that interpersonal factors contribute to problems with mood and anxiety. It is distinguished from other forms of therapy in its emphasis on problems of an interpersonal nature. This type of therapy aims to change the person's interpersonal behaviour by fostering improved adaptation to current interpersonal roles and situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on one of four common problem areas: grief, role transitions, interpersonal disputes, and chronic interpersonal challenges. The effectiveness of IPT is supported through current and ongoing research.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is conducted as a weekly psychotherapy. Through talking with the therapist about inner feelings, internal struggles, life history and interpersonal relationships, clients become increasingly aware of repetitive relationship patterns, conflicts and tensions that lead to certain symptoms, problems or challenges in their lives. Through the talking relationship with the therapist, the client is assisted in bringing these, usually unconscious, aspects of their self into awareness. With continued discussion and exploration over time, clients begin to integrate and accept the conflicting parts of the self. This then helps reduce the tension, troublesome symptoms and relationship difficulties that initially brought the client into treatment, thus beginning the process of healing. Research evidence supports that psychodynamic psychotherapy can effect change in mood, anxiety, sense of self leading to improved interpersonal relationships.