Therapeutic Services

Depression:

Through developing a clear understanding of the physiological processes that cause depression, how the classic 'cycle of depression' is established and the relationship between depression and excessive dreaming, it is possible for individuals to make immediate improvements to the way they feel from the first visit. This is developed into a path towards full recovery, often achieved in a matter of weeks.

Traumatic Memories & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

Our therapeutic approach to treating trauma is fast, safe and 'non-voyeuristic'; that is, it does not involve endlessly talking about or 're-living' the trauma. The approach uses proven 'visual-kinaesthetic' techniques (which are fully explained) to effectively reprogram these memories so individuals no longer experience the feeling of being overwhelmed or 'hijacked' by them. The approach is also non-voyeuristic insofar as the therapist does not need to know the details of the trauma or abuse. Often, a single session is all that's needed to effectively de-traumatise memories and flashbacks that may have been occurring for years.

Phobias:

Using techniques proven to effectively relieve trauma (see above), phobias and fears can also be successfully treated. Successful work has included work in relation to fear of spiders, snakes, heights, flying, public speaking, needles, small spaces and even certain types of food, to name but a few!

Anxiety & Panic Attacks:

An understanding of the 'fight or flight' response and how it is triggered, together with a variety of relaxation techniques practiced using guided imagery quickly allow individuals to deal with anxiety and avoid panic attacks. This work is also used as the basis to successfully treat conditions such as agoraphobia.

Addictions:

When individuals are helped to understand how the addictive process works, attempting to 'trick' them into believing they are genuinely in control of their lives, they are in a better position to begin the challenge of overcoming it. No therapist in the world can 'cure' addictions; only the client can do so - and will do so - when there is a genuine willingness to beat the addiction. Through the Human Givens therapeutic approach, individuals are helped to gain that motivation through use of a wide variety of proven clinical skills as appropriate. Success is not an 'all or nothing' business, and any step in the right direction is success; the important thing is to never give up. A very practical and realistic approach to treating addictions is taken, with many of those treated surprised by how quickly and easily they have been able to free themselves from addictive behaviours.

Sleep Disorders:

Through cultivating an understanding of the sleep cycle and the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) state; and the ways in which that cycle can be disrupted, individuals are quickly able to understand why the therapeutic approaches used can quickly re-establish sound and healthy sleeping patterns.

Self-Confidence:

By tapping into individuals' innate resources (often forgotten in states of anxiety and despair), this way of working can quickly boost self-confidence and help people move on in whatever direction they wish to begin to feel better about themselves and life. Work carefully differentiates 'needs' from 'wants' and always aims to have 'needs' met in a balanced and healthy way.

Conflict:

Relationship difficulties are often self-perpetuating because our beliefs and reactions to one another trigger patterns of behaviour, which stop us solving them. If both parties in a relationship (this could be parent-child, family members, work colleagues or any other type of relationship as well as a couple relationship) are willing to work together guidance can be given to help recognise the obstacles standing in the way of a healthy relationship, and begin the process of restoring balance and harmony. This allows each party to develop respect and understanding for the other, encouraging all to seek to have needs met in ways which are mutually beneficial and supportive.

Chronic Pain & Medical Conditions:

Frequently accompanying chronic pain is an underlying depression or anxiety disorder, which results in enormous production of stress-related hormones within the body. This has the effect of keeping 'pain gates' in our bodies open, often leading to chronic and recurring pain. Anxiety, or stress-related pain is quickly identified and treated; our bodies are then capable of producing their own pain killing drugs once their production is encouraged. Through teaching deep relaxation techniques and the use of guided imagery, the body's natural production of pain relieving chemicals is encouraged. Such treatment has been found to be of enormous benefit in managing the pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as IBS, ME and chronic pain associated with certain types of cancer. Many conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, asthma and migraine also have an emotional component; stressful events often trigger an outbreak because emotions affect health - and vice versa. Through first developing an understanding of underlying emotional challenges, followed by a therapeutic use of guided imagery the natural healing physiological responses of the body can be stimulated to overcome these difficulties.

Stress:

A word too many people are all too familiar with. Individuals are first helped to clearly recognise where stress is present in their lives, and the important distinction between stress and being 'stretched' in a way that is challenging and stimulating. All individuals need to be 'stretched', to feel a positive sense of development as human beings; Nature then rewards us by flooding our bodies with 'feel-good' chemicals so that we feel encouraged to continue. However, an 'overload' of stress can cause suffering in so many ways; our mood becomes unstable and our immune system becomes suppressed, increasing vulnerability to a host of illnesses. As a consequence, effectiveness at work diminishes and relationships can suffer; we can no longer 'see the wood for the trees'. By helping individuals to relax deeply and to constructively use the imagination to come up with new approaches to reduce stressors, individuals find they are quickly able to reduce stress-loads and make practical plans to keep their lives in healthy balance.

Eating Disorders:

Really a form of addiction, eating disorders (alongside many other forms of dependence and addiction) trick people into thinking they are getting their needs met through the use and abuse of food. Eating disorders are in fact nothing to do with food, which is why therapeutic approaches that concentrate solely on food and weight often fail to resolve the disorder; the individual affected is held in trance by an 'illusion of control'. This therapeutic approach helps to dispel that illusion and guide the individual back to a healthy reality. Through the use of guided imagery, the resistance of the conscious mind can be bypassed and change instigated at a very subtle and powerful level; this enables the individual to spontaneously begin to move away from the 'false gold' of the disorder and towards the 'real gold' of establishing a balanced and healthy life with real meaning and purpose.

Bullying:

A chronic problem in the workplace and the school playground that affects literally millions of people, bullying needs to be addressed on many levels. Practical advice in relation to each individual circumstance is offered, helping to restore self-confidence and offering real and tangible strategies to allow individuals to move forwards in their lives. It is frequently the case that when an individual changes their response to bullying in a way that is positive, the bullying fades away as the bully needs a certain response to continue. However, in extreme cases this is not always the case, and if no other options produce positive change individuals are helped and supported to seek alternative employment or change their circumstances if absolutely necessary; constant criticism crushes the human spirit. The vast majority of individuals find however they can be helped through a change in approach and an increase in self-confidence.

Manage Angry Behaviour:

Inappropriate angry behaviour damages health, increases the likelihood of an early death and can cause enormous misery among relatives, colleagues and innocent bystanders. This approach can help individuals gain an understanding of the process involved in triggering the response associated with anger behaviours and set about establishing a plan of prevention.