Treatments
Enter some subtext in this are to keep header balanced.
Individual Treatments.
At Lotus and Fern, individualised treatment plans are developed following a comprehensive assessment process. Treatments generally involve the integration of techniques from multiple therapeutic approaches (e.g. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy and Narrative Therapy) to ensure that interventions are tailored to address clients’ unique needs.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a highly evidence-based treatment approach that proposes that the core aspects of ourselves (our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours) are all interconnected, with each part directly influencing the other. CBT focusses on helping clients change the way they think about things by teaching them coping skills that can be used to challenge any unhelpful perspectives. In learning to modify their own thinking in this way, clients can experience relief from emotional distress and engage in more adaptive behaviours, irrespective of their situation.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is another evidence-based approach that focusses on helping clients develop the skills required to live in the present moment, regulate their emotions, respond adaptively to stressful life situations and improve the quality of their interpersonal relationships. In addition to providing practical strategies to help clients cope with everyday challenges, DBT also enables some exploration of the issues that are at the root of clients’ difficulties, while emphasising the importance of validating all of their experiences.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach that draws on elements from ancient wisdoms (e.g. Buddhism) to help clients discover and live in accordance with their personal values. Its techniques can be used to support clients with accepting the things that are outside of their control and committing their energies to the things that make their lives more meaningful. Rather than focussing on reducing clients’ symptoms, ACT emphasises that people are not governed or defined by their thoughts and emotions and proposes that practicing self-acceptance and mindfulness can enable them to live richer and more fulfilling lives, regardless of any symptoms they experience.
Play Therapy.
Play Therapy is based on the well-established premise that play is not only the primary ‘language’ that children use to communicate with others, but also a means of healthy growth, learning and development. In Play Therapy, toys, activities and games are used to provide clients with a safe way of expressing their thoughts and feelings, particularly those who may be more limited in their ability or readiness to communicate these through words. Play Therapy can also be used to help clients develop and practice a range of adaptive coping skills (e.g. problem-solving and conflict resolution).
Narrative Therapy.
Narrative Therapy is an approach that proposes that stories shape how we understand ourselves, others and the world around us. It assumes that our view of the world does not reflect its reality, but rather our own interpretation of it. In Narrative therapy, clients are positioned as the experts on their own experiences and are assisted to clearly distinguish between their identity and the difficulties that they are experiencing. The idea is to step back and examine difficulties from a different perspective. For example, rather than just focussing on the harm that these difficulties have caused, they might be encouraged to consider how these difficulties may have also benefited them. While clients generally begin therapy with a problem-focussed story about themselves or a particular area of their lives, Narrative therapy empowers them to change their thinking and behavioural patterns by providing them with the opportunity to ‘co-author’ new, more adaptive life stories for their future – stories that capture their identity, capabilities and purpose, outside of their difficulties.
Group Treatments.
Coming soon – please contact me to register your interest.
Training and Workshops.
Coming soon – please contact me to register your interest.
Contact Lotus and Fern
Thinking about seeing a Psychologist can naturally bring up many questions. Verena offers a personalised service that is respectfully tailored to support your unique needs and goals. Request a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation so that you can get an initial feel of her service, ask any questions you have and use that information to make an informed decision for your family.
Phone: 027 568 8733
Email: verena@lotusandfern.co.nz
Consulting Offices
Albany: 233 Dairy Flat Highway.
Browns Bay: Browns Bay Medical Centre, 13-15 Bute Road.