There are many forms of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in London. This article will explore common developments of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of herapy that helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to behaviours that are in line with their values. As an evidence-based approach that focuses on developing psychological flexibility, it focuses on the ability to adapt and respond to life’s challenges in a way that is based on personal values.

ACT is based on the idea that psychological suffering is caused by attempts to control or avoid unwanted sensations such as emotions or thoughts. ACT also helps individuals develop mindfulness skills in order to observe and accept these experiences, instead of trying to eliminate or suppress them.

Through various techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive defusion and helpful behaviour changes, patients learn to become more aware of themselves. They then work to identify their core values and commit to behaviours that align with these values, even in the face of difficult thoughts and emotions. ACT has been used to address numerous mental health conditions which include depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD and eating disorders. ACT can be used in conjunction with medication and other peripheral forms of input.

Schema Therapy:

Schema therapy is a style of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and challenging maladaptive schemas which are unhelpful foundations of relating with the world and behaving that develop early in childhood and persist into adulthood. These foundations of acting and perceiving are called schemas and are thought to be the result of unmet emotional needs and / or traumatic experiences during childhood.

The goal of schema therapy is to help individuals identify their maladaptive schemas and develop more beneficial ways of relating and behaving. This is done through a combination of cognitive and behavioural methods. A psychotherapist works with a client to identify their schemas and the behaviours and emotions associated with these. The therapist then aids the individual in developing new coping skills and strategies to manage their thoughts and emotions in a more helpful way.

Schema therapy can be effective in treating a range of difficulties which include personality disorders, depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Schema therapy is often a longer-term form of psychotherapy compared to other types of therapy and may involve weekly sessions which can span over several months or even years. It is a highly structured therapy that requires active participation from the client.

Compassion Focused Therapy:

Compassion-Focused Psychotherapy (CFP) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that highlights the cultivation of compassion as a way to reduce emotional distress and improve well-being. It is based on the idea that the human brain has evolved to experience emotions such as fear, anger and anxiety, which can be difficult to manage and lead to psychological problems.

CFP was developed by Professor Paul Gilbert and is grounded in evolutionary psychology, neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. It draws on methods from Beckian cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and Buddhist compassionate training. The psychotherapist helps the individual develop self-awareness and self-compassion whilst teaching them to develop compassion for others. The therapy focuses on developing three types of compassion: self-compassion, compassion for others and the ability to receive compassion from others.

Techniques include visualisation exercises and breathing techniques in order to help the individual develop a sense of warmth, kindness and compassion towards themselves and others. Challenging negative self-talk and cultivating a more balanced and positive perspective is also fostered. CFP has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions which include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

CFP is a relatively new form of psychotherapy that is still being developed. It requires active participation from the individual in order to practice self-compassion and cultivate a more compassionate outlook on life. Many psychotherapist London practice this form of therapy as the founder lives in Britain.

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