Types of therapy

At Open Door we offer a range of different therapies. Our therapists will work with you to find out which approach is best for you.

What is
psychotherapy?

In psychotherapy you will work with your therapist to explore, in depth, what is troubling you and enable you to understand yourself better. Your therapist will not judge you or tell you what to do, but will work with you to find ways of making choices or changes that you feel will improve things.

Psychotherapy is used to treat a wide range of difficulties including low mood, depression, anxiety, self-harm and eating difficulties as well as the impact of trauma and abuse.

You will attend regular 50-minute sessions (usually weekly) for a set period of time which will be agreed between you and your therapist. This may be just a few sessions or regular appointments over several months.

Psychotherapy at Open Door is mainly provided by Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists who are trained to work with young people aged 12-25. We also have adult psychotherapists and counselling psychologists experienced in working with young people.

What is
CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis. CBT is mainly focused on current problems and how to resolve them rather than thinking about past experiences and their impact – which is more of a focus in psychotherapy. You will work with your therapist to change negative patterns to improve the way you feel.

CBT is most commonly used to treat depression and different types of anxiety such as OCD (obsessional compulsive disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and social anxiety. It can also help people manage extreme changes in emotion including anger.  A course of CBT normally lasts between 6 and 20 sessions. At Open Door, these are usually weekly and last 50 minutes each.

What is
Mindfulness?

Our therapists might use mindfulness techniques alongside psychotherapy and CBT to help you manage feelings of anxiety, panic and depression. Your therapist will introduce you to mindful practices including breathing techniques and short meditations to help ground you in the present moment, and to better manage your thoughts and emotions.

What is
family therapy?

Sometimes it can be helpful for young people to be seen with their parents, carers or other family members. We offer a flexible approach and think with the young person about what is right for them.