Therapy
Therapeutic Approaches
Although therapy can be very helpful to manage mental illness, it is important to note that having therapy does not necessarily mean you are ill. Many of us will have confusing times in our life or periods of transition, loss, issues with relationships or just times we feel stuck. We might notice we are repeating unhelpful patterns and for all of these situations, confidential conversations with a curious and non-judgemental therapist can be very helpful.
At MOAI Clinical, we provide an extensive range of psychological services, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mentalization-based treatment (MBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. We understand that navigating through these technical terms and different therapy types may seem daunting. That's why we have curated a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to assist you in making an informed choice. Furthermore, we are always available for a discussion to help guide you through your options, ensuring you find the most suitable therapeutic approach for your needs.
Everyone has a right to therapy
We want to make a point that we feel therapy should be accessible to all. Exploring and understanding how we think and feel is as important as any other work we do to improve our quality of life.
Where to start
We all have our own idea about what going to see a therapist looks like. You may have already tried a couple of therapy sessions which weren't quite right, or just been stuck on the long list of therapy options available. Research shows that therapy is an effective treatment for mental illness. (1) With a huge spectrum of therapy types available, there is something for everyone, but it’s hard to navigate the world of psychological therapy without some guidance.
There are some important questions to think about when you are searching for the right therapy style for you.
Key terms
The terms therapy, psychotherapy and talking therapy are used interchangeably and do not infer anything about the model of therapy being offered. Therapy is delivered 1:1 by a therapist who is trained in a particular school of therapy. Catharsis happens through sharing of thoughts and feelings by a person and these being 'held' and considered by a non-judgemental therapist. The different schools or models of therapy all follow this basic structure but are based on different principles. These different models of therapy are described below while considering the aim of the therapy.
What do you want to achieve from the therapy session?
You may have a specific difficulty or a mental illness that you hope to resolve; for example, a specific phobia that you need help overcoming or a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder. Alternatively, you may be struggling to identify the key source of stress, and wish to work with a therapist to recognise this.
If you are seeking treatment for a suspected or diagnosed mental illness, some therapies may be more effective than others for you.
Therapy types
Here are some examples of therapy types which focus on specific issues or illness:
Cognitive behavioural therapy
This therapy focuses on how your current thoughts, feelings and behaviours are linked.
The NHS has created a network of CBT therapists associated with every GP surgery called IAPTs (Improving access to psychological medicine). IAPT hubs treat many difficulties such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder to name a few. You can self-refer to the IAPTs team or speak to your GP who can refer you. If IAPTs feel that you need a different kind of support, they might sign-post you elsewhere or refer you onto your local mental health service’s psychotherapy team.
If you are struggling to access these services you can book a review with one of the MOAI: Clinical CBT therapists.
Virtual | Children and adults
Fees
- Initial assessment £270
- Per 50 minute session £180
Typically a treatment course is 12-20 sessions although this varies
Eye movement desensitisation and reprogramming therapy
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy that has been proven to be effective in treating trauma, and is recommended by the UK's National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Practitioners are also finding it effective in the treatment of other anxiety related disorders. EMDR was developed by American psychologist Francine Shapiro.
Virtual | Children and adults
Fees
- Initial assessment £270
- Per 50 minute session £150
Typically a treatment course is 6-12 sessions although this varies
Dramatherapy
Dramatherapy is a form of psychological therapy in which all of the performance arts are utilised within the therapeutic relationship. Dramatherapists are both artists and clinicians and draw on their training in theatre/drama and therapy to create methods to help clients make psychological, emotional and social changes.
The therapy gives equal validity to body and mind within the dramatic context; stories, myths, playtexts, puppetry, masks and improvisation are examples of the range of artistic interventions a Dramatherapist may employ. These will enable the client to explore difficult and painful life experiences through an indirect approach.
Virtual | Children and adults
Fees
- Per 50 minute session £180
There is no typical treatment course, you can discuss this with your therapist or in a call with our team.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
This type of therapy encourages clients to explore their past experiences, childhood relationships, and unresolved conflicts, fostering a deeper understanding of their present-day challenges. By shedding light on hidden psychological dynamics, clients can work through emotional struggles, improve self-awareness, and make positive changes in their lives.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a comprehensive and insightful approach to therapy that benefits individuals seeking to address complex emotional issues and enhance their overall mental well-being.
Virtual or face to face in London | Children and adults
Fees
- Per 50 minute session £120
There is no typical treatment course, but this tends to be a longer term piece of work. You can discuss this with your therapist or in a call with our team.