Rachel Meadows has a relaxed and informal approach to psychological therapy. She has experience working in mental health and the alcohol and other drugs field. In addition Rachel has training and experience working with clients who are struggling emotionally or who have experienced trauma at some point in thier lives.
Rachel works in three main ways, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
CBT increases the awareness of the impact that thoughts and actions can have on emotions and mood. Through understanding yourself better you can work on changing the way you think and react to issues in life as they present themselves. CBT is known to be very effective in treating anxiety and depression.
EFT works by creating change through an awareness of emotions and how they are experienced in the body. There is an exploration of the source of maladaptive emotional behaviour with the aim of creating a healthier relationship with all emotional states. Research shows that this can be effective in treating depression, abuse, trauma and unresolved relationship issues.
When describing ACT i always think of the old saying ‘….help me to accept the things I cannot change in life, help me to change the things i can and give me the wisdom to know the difference.’ ACT encourages reflection on personal values and a commitment to pursue actions that lead to a richer, more meaningful life. Strategies to deal with problematic thoughts and emotions include mindfulness.
Mindfulness comes from Eastern traditions and learning to practice it can become a liberating life skill. Mindfulness assists clients to live more ‘in the moment’, rather than be caught up with the stress of modern living. It is particularly helpful for people experiencing depression, anxiety and worry.
