Clinical and Forensic Psychology
TREATMENT RESOURCES
TRAUMA: Treatment Options
COPING WITH DEPRESSION: Learning strategies through CBT
COPING WITH OCD: Evidence-based treatments to assist
Coping with PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can manifest after an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, natural disaster, or a serious accident. Symptoms of PTSD can include anxiety, depression, recurring intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, sleep disturbances, and hypervigilance.
Clinical and Forensic Psychology offers effective treatment options for PTSD. Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) are commonly used.
EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that has been primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained recognition and popularity as an effective treatment for various psychological issues beyond trauma. The basic premise of EMDR is that traumatic experiences can get "stuck" in the brain's processing, leading to symptoms like intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and emotional distress. EMDR aims to help individuals process these memories and their associated emotions more adaptively, ultimately reducing their negative impact.
CPT assists individuals with PTSD in understanding and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. It teaches cognitive and behavioural skills to modify thoughts and beliefs that negatively affect emotions and behaviours.
TF-CBT is a trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy that addresses the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural processes underlying PTSD. It includes psychoeducation, relaxation skills training, cognitive restructuring, and graduated exposure therapy.
These comprehensive therapies equip individuals with the necessary skills to cope with and overcome the detrimental effects of PTSD.
Overall, the expertise of clinical psychologists can aid individuals struggling with PTSD, empowering them to manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
COPING with Depression.
Clinical and Forensic Psychology specialises in treating depression and associated mental health conditions.
Clinical psychologists utilise evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, to assist individuals in overcoming symptoms associated with depression.
Through therapy sessions, psychologists help clients recognise and challenge negative thinking patterns, explore the underlying causes of their depression, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
In some cases, psychologists may collaborate with psychiatrists to evaluate whether medication is needed to effectively manage symptoms.
COPING with OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that trigger repetitive, ritualistic behaviours or mental acts (compulsions).
I am an experienced clinical psychologist who offers effective treatment for OCD.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly employed to address negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with the disorder.
CBT for OCD may involve Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where clients gradually face their obsessions or situations triggering obsessions while learning skills to resist engaging in compulsions.
In addition to CBT, targeted psychological intervention may utilise mindfulness-based therapies and self-help strategies to alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals struggling with OCD.