Getting Help

The specialist clinicians at Silver Street Clinic are trained in a variety of different therapeutic approaches which include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Reprocessing and  Desensitisation (EMDR) and Mindfulness Based Interventions.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches us to be more aware of living in the present rather than dwelling in the past or anticipating the future, both of which often lie at the root of stress related problems, depression and anxiety.

It is developed through the practice of specific methods of meditation and bodywork and has been shown to bring about a sense of increased calmness, improving our ability to cope with the challenges which life inevitably throws at us from time to time.

For information on our Mindfulness courses, click here.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an active talking therapy that focuses on thoughts (cognition) and feelings and how this impacts how we behave. Our past experiences lead us to  develop assumptions and beliefs which influence how we perceive ourselves, others and the world. There may be times in our lives when we experience  events which make us focus on the unhelpful assumptions and beliefs. When this happens, our thinking can be distorted creating strong emotional reactions and in turn we may engage in avoidant or safety seeking behaviors inadvertently maintaining the problem without realising it.

CBT focuses on the thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going. CBT helps by teaching you skills to consider if your thoughts are logical, helpful or true, and to see if your behaviour is helpful or not. CBT is a problem solving collaborative therapy that equips the individual with skills  they can use for the rest of their lives.  CBT is the most broadly researched therapy and is proven to be highly effective with anxiety and mood related problems.

 

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EDMR)
EMDR is one of the 2 recommended therapies for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE). - Along with this it has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of:

  • anxiety and panic attacks
  • depression
  • complicated grief
  • phobias
  • chronic pain
  • addictions
  • childhood attachment issues
  • self esteem and performance anxiety

How does it work?
EMDR works on the principle that the mind can often heal itself naturally in the same way as the body does. Much of the information we take in during each day is processed whilst we are asleep but sometimes, in certain situations such as when we are under a lot of of stress or when we feel under physical or emotional  threat , this information does not get processed in the normal way.

When this happens memories and feelings are stored in a different part of the memory system of the brain in a ‘raw emotional form’ and are not ‘filed away’ and put in the past. Because of this, painful or emotional feelings that relate to these memories are easily triggered by situations which remind us of what happened and evoke the same feelings, as though  it is happening all over again.

How does this treatment help?
EMDR therapy  helps to reprocess painful memories which have been properly stored  by recreating the natural process of REM sleep. This is done by bilaterally stimulating the brain using eye movements, sounds or pulses. The bilateral stimulation lasts for about a minute (called a ‘set’)  after which  there is a pause when the therapist asks about any experiences that have been noticed during this time. These experiences may include changes in thoughts, images, emotions and body sensations.

Repeated sets of bilateral stimulation during a therapy session updates old memories according to new perspectives and beliefs. For instance, a traumatic or distressing incident experienced as a child may have created a negative belief from a child’s perspective which can be seen very differently as an adult if the incident is reprocessed using EMDR. People report that memories feel different, that they are in the past now and that they no longer have the emotional charge they carried before.

During a session of EMDR the patient remains alert, awake and in control at all times. It is NOT like being hypnotised. It is not a talking therapy like most traditional psychological treatment and tends to be quicker than many other forms of therapy.

How long does it take?
A normal session of EMDR processing takes between 60 and 90 minutes. It normally forms part of a longer term therapy plan but in particular cases (such as phobias) it can require as few as 4 – 6 sessions to achieve treatment goals. For more complex issues a minimum of 12 sessions would be recommended.

How much does it cost?
After the initial assessment which is a standard fee of £80, EMDR treatment is charged at £70-£80 per session regardless of whether it lasts 60 or 90 minutes. This can be paid either at each session or in monthly instalments.

How to get help with any condition you haveAppointmentsTherapeutic pathways
If you would like to speak to someone about any of our services please contact us on 01621 929379 or by contacting us here. We will be happy to talk to you and advise on any concerns or questions you may have.

You do not need to be referred by a medical professional for therapy but you may wish to discuss things with your GP or other professional who can make a referral on your behalf if you prefer.

An appointment for an initial assessment can be booked within 10 days. This assessment takes between 60 - 90 minutes at a cost of £75. Your clinician will ask you questions about the problems you are experiencing and take a history which will help him or her to understand the context of these problems and the impact they are having on your life. At the end of this assessment the clinician will give a recommendation for appropriate therapeutic plan for you.
If you decide to have therapy a plan will be agreed between you and your treating clinician and a budget can be negotiated.

Silver Street Clinic is a private therapy service and does not receive funding from the NHS or any other public body. We do, however, take referrals from Employer Assisted Programmes (EAPs) and some private health care insurance providers.

We also some have agreements with some charitable organisations who will fund or subsidise treatment costs for identified populations such as military veterans.