Debunking psychological ‘talking’ therapy

Posted by Fiona Gavine on the 15th December 2017

By Dr Liza Morton, Chartered Counselling Psychologist

If you are suffering from the symptoms described below, contact us. 

Understanding mental health

Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, affect more than a third of the population each year. Unfortunately, many people face barriers to finding help such as discrimination and a lack of understanding. Thankfully, attitudes are changing and mental health difficulties are being better recognised and supported than ever before, whilst evidence-based therapies are becoming increasingly available.

How talking therapies help

Psychological Therapy, or “talking therapy” aims to help people develop strategies and tools to  deal with their difficulties so they can function at their best in everyday life. Therapy offers a confidential, safe and supportive relationship with a qualified professional.   Psychologists draw on psychological theories, approaches and techniques to deliver an individualised approach for each client.

The best therapies for common mental health problems

Evidence suggests that the best treatment approaches, for mild-moderate common mental health problems, are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),  Behavioural Therapy,  Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Mindfulness.

Counselling Psychology is a relatively new branch of applied psychology, which focuses on a holistic understanding of psychological wellbeing. Counselling psychologists apply psychological therapies to working collaboratively with  people across a diverse range of human difficulties, including mental health problems and life issues. They work with the individual’s unique psychological experience to empower their recovery, improve psychological functioning and to alleviate distress.

All Chartered Psychologists (Clinical and Counselling) must be accredited by The British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professional Council and anyone using this title must be fully qualified, registered with these professional bodies and adhere to their ethical and professional codes of practice.

What is CBT?

Sometimes, as a result of life experiences, you can get stuck in unhelpful patterns of feeling,  thinking and behaviour.  This might develop into  vicious cycles.  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach which  aims to modify these patterns any unhelpful beliefs underlying them.

What is IPT?

Humans are very social beings and we need good quality relationships to maintain our mental health and wellbeing.  Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on improving the quality of relationships to ensure all of your needs are being met.  It focuses on patterns of communication and it is particularly useful following significant changes to your social network such as loss, retirement or an ongoing dispute with a significant other.

Working together

Therapy is not done to you.   A therapist works with you, in collaboration.  Therapy offers a safe space to explore, process and discover better ways to manage your difficulties.

Useful links and sources:

• Scottish Government, Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2017-2027
• The Matrix (2015) A Guide to Delivering Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies in Scotland

Dr Liza Morton is available for consultation at One Allan Park Wellbeing Clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays. Call the clinic on 01786 359 188 for more information.