Tracy Williams Therapy
SUMMARY OF THERAPIES AND APPROACHES
Tracy uses a number of approaches, selecting the most appropriate based upon her 30 years of experience.
A selection of these approaches are outlined below:
Archetypal Therapy
Archetypal Therapy is built on the psychology of Carl Yung. The movement was founded by James Hillman as an attempt to give value to everything that happens. His approach to therapy argues against the quick fix, in fact, argues against the idea of a diagnosis, believing that we should embrace surprise and wonder, "cultivating a sense of awe". James Hillman can be seen describing Archetypal Therapy in PsychoTherapy.net.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a practical talking therapy working on the principle that thoughts, feelings, behaviours and actions are interconnected, therefore changing one of these alters the remainder. CBT used and is discussed in some detail within the NHS and also on the pages of the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). NICE considers CBT to be an effective treatment for many conditions. CBT has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment with respect to sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety disorders and depression (Butler et al, 2006; Chambess and Ollendick, 2001; Padesky and Mooney, 2012). A strengths-based version of CBT has also been shown to be suitable in building positive qualities such as resilience (Fava and Tomba, 2009).
Compassion Focused Approaches
Whilst all talking therapies involve compassion, particularly to oneself, compassion focussed approaches take this a stage further, making this an overt aim of the treatment. The Counselling Directory reviews this treatment at length.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic theory is a talking therapy aimed at finding meaningful solutions to open issues. Psychodynamic therapy is described by the British Psychoanalytic Council and also within Psychology Today, which also contains peer-reviewed research on both CBT and psychodynamic therapy.
Systemic Therapy
Systemic therapy can be used in families, groups or couples, dealing as it does with relationships. The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice provide peer-reviewed research into it's effectiveness.
Transactional Analysis (TA)
Transactional analysis looks to understand social transactions and relationships in order to resolve emotional difficulties. The Counselling Directory reviews this treatment in some detail.
Transpersonal Therapy
Transpersonal therapy is a holistic approach, evolving from the works of Maslow, best known for his theory on the hierarchy of needs. Maslow's hierarchy of needs culminates in self-actualisation, which is a key outcome within transpersonal therapy. This therapy may be used to explore your spiritual self and help you create meaning in your life. Transpersonal counselling is outlined within The Counselling Directory.
Existential Psychology
Existential psychotherapy has been described as a dynamic approach to therapy which focusses on concerns which are rooted in the individual's existence. Tracy particularly values the work of professor Irvin Yalom, the author of "Existential Psychotherapy". Youtube hosts a few very accessible videos introducing the approach overall and relating to self-awareness and the terror of death.
Emotion-focused Therapy including Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence was created by two psychology professors, Salovey and Mayer to describe the ability to "recognise, understand, utilise and regulate emotions effectively in everyday life". Work continues at Yale university and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence on this approach. Emotional intelligence was popularised in the business and HR fields by Goleman, who believes it accounts for most of the difference between outstanding leaders and others, and asserts emotional intelligence can be consciously developed.
References
Chambless, D. and Ollendick, T., (2001), 'Empirically supported psychological interventions: Controversies and evidence', Annual Review of Psychology, 52, pp 685–716