Briefly, this broadly refers to the psychological theories that guide me in my psychotherapy. My orientation is “eclectic”, that means I choose to work with the approach that is most beneficial for a certain client and a different one that I feel is most beneficial for another client.

The theories that strongly influence my practice emanate from the cognitive-behavioural school, the psychodynamic, and the family systems theories. 

In the simplest form Cognitive-behavioural therapy emphasizes the power of changing your thoughts and behaviour as a way of changing your feelings. Currently, I use Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), put simply helps you  to Accept your thoughts and feelings, Connect with your values, and Take effective action. ACT is part of a growing body of literature of "third wave" behavioural therapy that finds its roots in the development of mindfulness and has gained empirical support.

Psychodynamic theory emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes such as defence mechanisms that underlie a person’s outward feelings and behaviour.

And the Family systems theory emphasizes the importance of the client’s original family while growing up.

Research findings have revealed a vital factor that helps people change - the therapist’s orientation called the “therapeutic alliance”. This alliance refers to the client-therapist relationship. For effective therapy, irrespective of the therapists therapy orientation, the client must feel that the therapist is genuinely empathetic, compassionate and caring. This caring relationship, or therapeutic alliance, is essential in facilitating healing and change.