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Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression and Trauma 

What to Expect 

On this page, you’ll find information about the therapeutic approaches I use and how they can help. My approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to start or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you. Book a free telephone consultation to see how we can work together.

 

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach used to treat a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. It focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping us recognise and change unhelpful patterns that contribute to emotional distress.

When struggling with anxiety or depression, it’s common to become caught in cycles of negative thinking and avoidance behaviours that reinforce emotional difficulties. CBT helps by:

  • Identifying negative thought patterns – Understanding how our thinking influences our emotions and behaviours.

  • Challenging unhelpful beliefs – Developing more balanced, realistic perspectives.

  • Developing coping strategies – Using practical tools to manage distressing thoughts and emotions.

  • Encouraging positive behaviour change – Helping you break free from cycles of avoidance or self-defeating actions.

Through structured, goal-oriented sessions, CBT empowers you with lifelong skills to manage challenges more effectively. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by constant worry, low mood, panic, or self-doubt, CBT provides a practical, solution-focused approach to improving your emotional well-being.

EMDR

Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma, PTSD, and phobias. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on reprocessing distressing memories, allowing the brain to reduce their emotional intensity and integrate them in a healthier way.

How Can EMDR Help?

Trauma and distressing experiences can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, or intense emotional reactions when triggered. EMDR helps by:

  • Processing traumatic memories – Reducing the emotional impact of past experiences.

  • Rewiring unhelpful beliefs – Shifting negative self-perceptions linked to trauma.

  • Desensitising triggers – Making distressing thoughts, images, or fears feel less overwhelming.

  • Restoring a sense of safety – Helping you regain emotional balance and resilience.

During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) is used to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, making them feel less intrusive over time. Whether you're struggling with PTSD, panic attacks, childhood trauma, or phobias, EMDR can be a highly effective way to achieve long-lasting relief and emotional healing.

Third Wave Approaches; Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) 

Third wave therapies, such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), build upon traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) by incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional flexibility into treatment. These approaches recognise that trying to "eliminate" difficult thoughts and emotions isn’t always helpful. Instead, they focus on changing how we relate to our inner experiences, helping us respond in healthier, more balanced ways.

 

How Do ACT & CFT Work?

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than struggling against them. ACT teaches how to focus on what truly matters, using values-based action to build a meaningful life despite challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – Developed for individuals who experience high levels of self-criticism or shame, CFT encourages the development of self-kindness, emotional warmth, and inner resilience. It is particularly effective for trauma, low self-esteem, and persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

 

How Do These Approaches Complement CBT & EMDR?

While CBT helps to change unhelpful thought patterns and EMDR processes distressing memories, ACT and CFTenhance these therapies by:

  • Encouraging acceptance rather than avoidance of difficult emotions.

  • Strengthening emotional resilience and psychological flexibility.

  • Reducing self-judgement and fostering self-compassion.

  • Helping individuals stay present and engaged in life, even in the face of challenges

 

By integrating ACT and CFT into therapy, individuals can develop a more compassionate, accepting relationship with themselves, improving long-term emotional well-being and enhancing the benefits of CBT and EMDR.

Contact Me

Contact Me

I am registered with AXA & AVIVA. Please have your authorisation code and membership details available when contacting to discuss treatment


I am Accredited with the BABCP - British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies

For any questions you have, send me a message, drop me an email or give me a call. 

Email: jemmaaustincbt@gmail.com

Contact number: 07512 312 760

Online contact via email

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