Paul’s Approaches

There are many evidenced based practices that therapists use when conducting therapy.  Some therapists are dedicated to just one approach while others pull from two or more theoretical principles.  Regardless of your therapist’s stance, it is important that he or she can explain to you what methods will be used in your sessions.

Paul primarily utilizes a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

“Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach to psychotherapy that stems from traditional behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives. With this understanding, clients begin to accept their issues and hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their behavior, regardless of what is going on in their lives, and how they feel about it” (Steven C. Hayes, PhD).

Mindfullness is oftentimes mistaken as simply being present. Although presence is at the core of Mindfulness, I find the following definition much more helpful; “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”  From Jon Kabat-Zinn (one of the leading instructors of mindfulness in the west).

Mindfulness, although oftentimes conducted as part of a mediation practice can just as easily be implemented when you are washing the dishes, eating or driving your car.  It is a practice that helps us shift our attention away from the endless looping of commentary, judgements and thought patterns that keep us locked in to those unhelpful, core beliefs mentioned above.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) aims to help promote mental and emotional healing by encouraging people in treatment to be compassionate toward themselves and other people. Compassion, both toward the self and toward others, is an emotional response believed by many to be an essential aspect of well-being. Its development may often have the benefit of improved mental and emotional health. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/compassion-focused-therapy