The methods behind the care

Developed by Dr. Gabor Maté & Sat Dharam Kaur

Compassionate Inquiry is a trauma-informed, relational approach that gently explores the unconscious beliefs, emotional wounds, and protective strategies that developed throughout our lives. Rather than asking "What's wrong with you?" it asks, "What happened to you?"

Clients learn to recognise how childhood experiences continue to shape present-day emotions, behaviours, relationships, and physical health. Through curiosity and compassion, old survival strategies can soften, allowing authentic healing to emerge.

Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro (1987)

EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories that may feel "stuck" in the nervous system. Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds), distressing memories can gradually lose their emotional intensity.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on repeatedly discussing traumatic events and more on helping the brain naturally process them.

Developed by Dr. Peter Levine

Somatic Experiencing is based on the understanding that trauma is held not only in our memories but also in our nervous system and body.

Rather than focusing solely on the story, therapy gently helps clients notice body sensations, complete interrupted survival responses, and restore a sense of safety and regulation.

Developed by Dr. Pat Ogden

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy combines neuroscience, attachment theory, and body awareness to help clients process trauma.

Clients learn to notice posture, movement, muscle tension, breathing, and nervous system responses that often occur outside conscious awareness.

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges

Polyvagal Theory explains how our autonomic nervous system continuously scans for cues of safety or danger — a process called neuroception. It describes how our bodies naturally shift between states of connection, mobilisation (fight or flight), and immobilisation (shutdown or collapse).

Understanding these nervous system states can help clients recognise why they react the way they do under stress, and learn practical strategies for returning to a greater sense of safety, regulation, and connection.

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz (1980s)

IFS is based on the idea that we all have different "parts" within us — an inner critic, a perfectionist, a protector, a fearful child, or a people-pleasing part. These parts are not flaws; they developed to help us survive difficult experiences.

The goal is not to eliminate these parts but to understand them with curiosity and compassion, while strengthening our calm, wise, and compassionate core Self.

Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson & Dr. Les Greenberg (1980s)

Emotionally Focused Therapy is grounded in attachment science. It helps couples and families understand the emotional patterns that keep them stuck, and create new experiences of safety, trust, and connection.

Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, EFT explores the unmet attachment needs underneath conflict.

Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman

Based on more than 40 years of relationship research involving thousands of couples, the Gottman Method identifies behaviours that strengthen or weaken relationships.

The approach emphasises friendship, emotional connection, healthy conflict management, repair after disagreements, and shared meaning.

Developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix & Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt

Imago Therapy suggests that many of our adult relationship struggles are rooted in childhood experiences. We are often unconsciously drawn to partners who reflect familiar emotional dynamics, offering opportunities to heal unmet attachment needs.

The approach emphasises empathy, intentional dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Developed by John Bowlby, expanded by Mary Ainsworth

Attachment Theory explores how our earliest relationships with caregivers shape our expectations of ourselves, others, and relationships throughout life. Early experiences of safety, consistency, or unpredictability can influence how we connect with others as adults.

Understanding attachment patterns can help people develop healthier relationships, greater emotional security, and stronger self-awareness.

Developed by Dr. Aaron Beck (1960s)

CBT is one of the most researched psychological treatments available. It explores the connection between our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical sensations.

Clients learn to identify thinking patterns that may contribute to emotional distress and develop healthier, more balanced ways of responding to life's challenges.

Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan (1980s)

Originally developed for individuals experiencing intense emotional distress, DBT combines acceptance with change. The word "dialectical" refers to balancing two seemingly opposite ideas — for example, accepting ourselves while also working toward growth.

DBT teaches practical skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy relationships.

Developed by Dr. Steven Hayes, Kelly Wilson & Kirk Strosahl (1980s)

ACT helps people develop psychological flexibility — the ability to make room for difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to live a life guided by personal values.

Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, sadness or painful memories, ACT teaches us how to change our relationship with them. Clients learn mindfulness skills, acceptance, self-compassion, and strategies for taking meaningful action even during life's hardest moments.

Developed by Drs. William Miller & Stephen Rollnick

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centred approach that helps people explore ambivalence about change. Rather than persuading or directing, the therapist uses empathy and thoughtful questions to help clients strengthen their own motivation and confidence.

It is grounded in the belief that lasting change is more likely when it comes from a person's own values and goals.

Developed by Steve de Shazer & Insoo Kim Berg (1980s)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a practical, future-oriented approach that focuses on where you want to get to, rather than analysing the problem in depth. It rests on the idea that you already carry strengths, skills and resources that can be built on.

Through focused questions — imagining your preferred future, or noticing the moments a problem already feels a little smaller — we map clear, achievable steps toward the change you want, often over a shorter course of sessions.

Developed by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams & John Teasdale

MBCT combines traditional cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation. It helps people observe thoughts without becoming caught up in them, reducing rumination and preventing relapse into depression.

Clients learn that thoughts are experiences — not facts — and develop greater awareness of emotional patterns.

Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn (1979)

Originally created in a hospital setting for people living with chronic pain and illness, MBSR teaches mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, and present-moment awareness to reduce stress and improve well-being.

Extensive research supports its effectiveness in improving both mental and physical health.

Developed by Michael White & David Epston (1980s)

Narrative Therapy recognises that the stories we tell about ourselves shape how we experience our lives. Sometimes difficult experiences become the dominant story, overshadowing our strengths, values, and resilience.

Through collaborative conversations, clients are supported in separating themselves from their problems and reclaiming richer, more empowering life stories.