Methods with proven effectiveness
We practise and teach only the approaches whose effectiveness has been tested by research. Below is what each method is, what it helps with and when it is chosen.
Choosing the method is the specialist’s job, not the client’s. You do not need to decide in advance whether you want EMDR or schema therapy: in the first sessions the specialist assesses the situation and proposes an approach — often a combination of approaches.
These pages are here for something else: so that you understand what will be done with you and why.
Classical CBT and its closest directions
The approaches from which all evidence-based psychotherapy of recent decades has grown.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
The most researched approach in psychotherapy. Short, focused, structured work with the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
- Anxiety disorders, panic attacks
- Depression
- OCD, phobias, social anxiety
Rational emotive behaviour therapy
Albert Ellis's approach, one of the forerunners of modern CBT. Its focus is on the rigid demands on yourself, other people and the world that turn difficulty into suffering.
- Chronic self-criticism, perfectionism
- Anger, resentment, envy
- Procrastination
Family psychotherapy
Work not with an individual but with a system of relationships — a couple or a whole family.
- Repeating conflicts in a couple
- Relationship crises and loss of closeness
- Parent-child difficulties
Contemporary approaches
Directions that added work with acceptance, compassion, deep schemas and mindfulness to CBT.
Schema therapy
A development of CBT for working with deep, repeating patterns that formed in childhood and go on shaping life.
- Repeating problems in relationships
- A chronic sense that "something is wrong with me"
- Personality disorders
Dialectical behaviour therapy
An approach created by Marsha Linehan for working with severe emotional instability. Teaching concrete skills instead of talking about feelings.
- Borderline personality disorder
- Impulsive behaviour, self-harm
- Chronic suicidal thoughts
Acceptance and commitment therapy
An approach that shifts the aim of therapy: not to get rid of unpleasant experiences, but to stop letting them run your life.
- Chronic anxiety and persistent worry
- Chronic pain and chronic illness
- A sense of lost meaning and direction
Compassion focused therapy
Paul Gilbert's approach for working with shame and inner self-criticism — where ordinary cognitive techniques do not work.
- Harsh self-criticism, the inner critic
- Chronic shame and a sense of being defective
- Perfectionism
Stress reduction (MBSR)
Jon Kabat-Zinn's eight-week structured programme — the most researched format for learning mindfulness practice.
- Chronic stress and overload
- Burnout prevention
- Chronic pain
Methods for particular tasks
Approaches developed for a specific type of problem and most effective in their own area.
EMDR
A specialised method for working with traumatic memories, recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of PTSD.
- PTSD, post-traumatic reactions
- Single-incident and complex trauma
- Intrusive memories, nightmares
Mindfulness for depression (MBCT)
A programme developed specifically to prevent recurrent episodes of depression. It combines mindfulness practice with the tools of cognitive therapy.
- Recurrent episodes of depression
- A tendency to rumination, "chewing over" thoughts
- The period after coming out of a depressive episode
Unified protocol (UP)
David Barlow's protocol, which works not with a single diagnosis but with the mechanism common to all emotional disorders.
- Anxiety and depression together
- Several anxiety disorders in one person
- Conditions that do not fit a single diagnosis
The MORE programme
An approach combining mindfulness practice, work with reinforcement and reappraisal. Developed for addictive behaviour and chronic pain.
- Dependence on substances and alcohol
- Behavioural addictions
- Chronic pain with dependence on painkillers
Not sure which approach fits?
That is normal — choosing the method is the specialist's job, not the client's. Describe the situation and a coordinator will suggest a therapist.