S.M.D Counselling Services

S.M.D Counselling Services can provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Or a Psychodynamic Approach

CBT

Our 'cognitive processes' are our thoughts which include our ideas, mental images, beliefs and attitudes. Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or 'fuel', certain health problems. For example, anxiety, depression, phobias, etc, but there are others including physical problems. The therapist helps you to understand your current thought patterns. In particular, to identify any harmful, unhelpful, and 'false' ideas or thoughts which you have that can trigger your health problem, or make it worse. The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas. Also, to help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful.

Most courses of CBT last for several weeks. It is common to have 10-15 sessions, but a course of CBT can be longer or shorter, depending on the nature and severity of the condition. In some situations CBT sessions can be done by telephone.

CBT has been shown in clinical trials to help ease symptoms of various health problems. For example, research studies have shown that a course of CBT is just as effective as medication in treating depression and certain anxiety disorders. There may be long-term benefits of CBT as the techniques to combat these problems can be used for the rest of your life to help to keep symptoms away. So, for example, depression or anxiety are less likely to recur in the future. There is good research evidence too to show that CBT can help to improve symptoms of some physical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the difference between CBT and other talking treatments?
CBT is one type of psychotherapy . Unlike other types of psychotherapy it does not involve 'talking freely', or dwell on events in your past to gain insight into your emotional state of mind. It is not a 'lie on the couch and tell all' type of therapy.

CBT tends to deal with the 'here and now' - how your current thoughts and behaviours are affecting you now. It recognises that events in your past have shaped the way that you currently think and behave. In particular, thought patterns and behaviours learned in childhood, However, CBT does not dwell on the past, but aims to find solutions to how to change your current thoughts and behaviours so that you can function better in the future.
Psychodynamic Counselling

Psychodynamic Approach

This is also available at S.M.D Services this approach recognises and values the connections, not always conscious, between a person’s inner and outer experiences; the significance of their past in relation to their present and the therapeutic potential of the relationship between the client and the counsellor as they work together. Counselling requires a commitment from both the client and the counsellor to engage in this process.
The service we offer provides the client with an opportunity, should this be appropriate, to engage in some depth in the therapeutic process, allowing time for trust and personal insight to develop over a lengthy period of counselling. We do also offer short term work on specific issues for those who feel it is more appropriate to their needs.

Counselling is a helping process involving a confidential talking relationship between a client (or clients) and the counsellor.

"The overall aim of counselling is to provide an opportunity for the client to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way. The term ‘counselling’ includes work with individuals, pairs or groups of people. The objectives of particular counselling relationships will vary according to the client’s needs. Counselling may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insight and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others.
The counsellor’s role is to facilitate the client’s work in ways which respect the client’s values, personal resources and capacity for self-determination.

(British Association of Counselling Code of Ethics and Practice)

Who are the Counsellors?
We are trained, qualified practitioners with a considerable depth and breadth of professional experience. We are all approved by the B.A.C.P Institute and some of us are additionally accredited. In accordance with the requirements of these bodies as well as of the Institute, we are all committed to undertake regular professional supervision of our work.

How will your counselling begin?
The initial meeting is called an assessment appointment this provides an opportunity to explore what it is that brings you for counselling

Comments and Suggestions
We very much hope that you will find your personal counselling through S.M.D Counselling Services a helpful and rewarding experience. We welcome evaluative comments about the service, whether they are of a positive or negative kind.

Welcome to contact us by post or telephone or email.