I offer coaching sessions or integrated psychotherapy & coaching using NLP, CBT and/or Mindfulness practices and techniques. Coaching or a coaching/therapy combination can be useful if you need some direction or advice regarding the following sorts of questions:
- What is my life purpose?
- How do I make a career move?
- Am I in the right job?
- How can I deal with my panic attacks?
- How can I treat my OCD?
- How to get rid of a phobia?
- How to tackle my anxiety?
- What is the best treatment for PTSD?
- How can I recover emotionally after a car accident?
NLP
NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming and is a method of coaching which uses specific techniques to address and modify the thoughts, beliefs and actions that no longer serve you. NLP is about self-discovery and modelling desired behaviours, and is particularly useful for those facing difficulties in career and life direction, but also for specific problems such as phobias and traumatic memories. NLP was created in California in the 1970’s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder and has since spread all over the world, being particularly renowned for the ‘Fast Phobia Cure’ technique.
Neuro Linguistic Programming argues that human beings can never truly know reality, only our perceptions of it. It is generally this ‘map’ of reality that limits us, rather than reality itself. Hence, the techniques used in NLP aim to challenge current perceptions in order to evolve and move forwards in life.
CBT
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and is a specific solution-focused method of coaching which is used to treat a variety of conditions. I personally classify CBT as coaching because it uses a variety of task-based exercises, does not explore cause in depth, and is generally based on present thoughts and behaviours. The theory posits that individuals tend to be more disturbed by their thoughts about an event rather than the event itself. It uses thought records, diaries and exposure work to treat symptoms and is particularly useful in cases of addiction, eating disorders, phobias, OCD and PTSD following an accident.
As an example,
I may not get into the university I selected (Situation/Event), which leads me to believe that I’m destined to fail in life (Belief) which leads me to resignation and moodiness with the people around me (Consequence). CBT works to formulate an alternative view, wherein the same Situation/Event can lead to a new belief (I’m meant to go to another university/college), and therefore a new consequence (motivation and research to find alternatives).
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state of presence and awareness. Mindfulness sessions encourage you to adopt this state in your everyday life by providing a series of exercises to help you with breathing, meditation, reflection and observation.
I work by integrating mindfulness into my therapeutic practice wherever this is required. However, if you would like to do a full 8-week mindfulness course in Galway, there are several on offer – such as the one run by Sharon Fitzmaurice in Lackagh. See here for details: http://sharonfitzmauricemindfulness.com/
I am a qualified NLP and Timeline Therapy Master, and have CPD points in CBT and Mindfulness. I can offer these techniques either standalone or integrated with counselling and psychotherapy.
