Schema Therapy was developed for people diagnosed with a personality disorder (especially Borderline Personality Disorder) as well as other problems such as depression, anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties and interpersonal problems when they have been long-lasting and other styles of therapy haven’t worked. Schema Therapy aims to help clients cope with difficult feelings, to change unhelpful thinking patterns, and to try out new behaviours and skills with the support of their therapist. Schema Therapy explores both current problems clients are experiencing, as well as the historical origins of these problems.
DBT is a treatment designed to help people change unhelpful patterns of behaviour including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, binge-eating and unstable relationships. DBT was originally used to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, but it is now used for many other kinds of mental health difficulties including eating disorders, depression, bipolar, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol problems, and anxiety. The main aim of DBT is to help people build a life worth living as well as to develop skills in tolerating distressing situations, managing painful emotions, and sustaining meaningful relationships. DBT combines traditional CBT with techniques such as mindfulness and acceptance to assist people in dealing with overwhelming and intense emotions. DBT can help people to feel empowered in tackling the issues in their lives which otherwise prevent them from reaching their full potential. This treatment focuses on building upon each individual’s personal strengths and the therapy sessions are very relationship-focused and collaborative.
ACT is a therapy approach aimed at helping people to live life a meaningful and present-focused life. ACT helps people to learn psychological strategies to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively so that these experience have less of an impact on their lives. ACT also helps people to clarify their important values and goals and to use these for motivation and direction in the face of struggles and adversity. ACT uses evidence-based techniques of acceptance, mindfulness and self-compassion to help people develop psychological flexibility and to build a rich and full life.
CBT is a rational and practical approach therapy approach aimed at helping people resolve their emotional problems by changing their thinking patterns and their behaviour. CBT aims not just to help people overcome the symptoms that they are currently experiencing, but also to help them develop new skills and strategies that they can apply to future problems. It focuses on the 'here and now' whilst developing an understanding of past styles of thinking and behaviour that have developed over time.
