Dr Kavita Deepak-Knights
Psychological
Therapies
Services in Windsor, Berkshire
MY PRACTICE
Psychological
Therapies
I have trained in several key types of psychological therapy, each offering a distinct approach to addressing difficulties. During our initial consultation, I will work with you to determine the most suitable therapy for your needs, or potentially combine elements from different approaches to create a tailored treatment plan that best suits you and your current challenges.
Proven effective therapies I offer include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The main idea behind CBT is that our thoughts influence how we feel and act, and by changing negative or unhelpful thoughts, we can improve how we feel and respond to situations. In CBT, you’ll work with a therapist to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic thoughts. By doing so, you can develop healthier coping strategies and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties. CBT is typically short-term, structured, and focused on helping you make positive changes in your everyday life.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It is particularly helpful for people who experience intense emotions and struggle with managing relationships or self-destructive behaviours. DBT focuses on teaching skills to help you cope with difficult emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and manage distressing situations more effectively The main concepts of DBT include learning how to accept yourself as you are while also working on making changes to improve your well-being. It emphasises balance, teaches you how to manage intense feelings while maintaining a sense of control, and encourages you to be present in the moment with mindfulness. DBT typically includes individual therapy sessions, skills training, and support in learning to apply these techniques in everyday life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of trying to avoid or control them. The core idea behind ACT is that struggling with or avoiding unpleasant emotions can actually make them stronger, whereas accepting them can help you move forward in life. ACT encourages you to clarify what truly matters to you in life—your values—and then take committed actions that align with those values, even in the presence of discomfort. It teaches mindfulness techniques to help you stay present in the moment, without getting caught up in negative thoughts or emotions. The goal of ACT is not to eliminate difficult feelings, but to learn how to live a meaningful, fulfilling life while accepting those feelings as a natural part of being human.
Family and Marital (systemic) Therapy
Family and Marital Systemic Therapy focuses on understanding and improving the relationships within a family or between partners in a marriage. The idea behind this therapy is that problems within a family or relationship don’t happen in isolation but are often influenced by the dynamics and interactions between people. In this approach, the therapist works with the entire family or couple to identify patterns of behavior and communication that may be contributing to conflict or distress. By exploring these patterns, the therapy helps family members or partners improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier ways of interacting. The goal is to strengthen relationships, foster understanding, and create a more supportive environment for everyone involved. Family and marital therapy is especially helpful when dealing with challenges like communication problems, parenting difficulties, or major life changes that affect relationships.
Solution Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy is a practical and goal-oriented type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions to current problems rather than dwelling on past issues. The main idea is to help you identify what’s already working in your life and build on those strengths to achieve your goals. Rather than analysing the root causes of problems, Solution-Focused Therapy helps you explore ways to create positive changes in the present and future. In sessions, you’ll work with your therapist to define clear goals, identify steps you can take to achieve them, and explore the resources and skills you already have. The goal is to help you feel empowered, confident, and capable of making meaningful changes in your life. This approach is typically brief and focuses on achieving quick, positive outcomes.
Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences or distressing memories. The therapy works by using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like tapping or sounds) while you focus on difficult memories or emotions. This process helps your brain reprocess the traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge, making them less distressing over time. EMDR helps you reframe these memories and reduces the negative impact they have on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is particularly effective for conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and trauma-related issues, and it allows you to gain more control over your emotional responses to past experiences.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a type of therapy that helps you develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself, especially during times of struggle. It’s based on the idea that many emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, and shame, are often linked to self-criticism and a lack of self-compassion. In CFT, you’ll learn how to recognize and manage negative self-judgments and replace them with more supportive and caring thoughts. The therapy encourages you to understand and accept your emotions with kindness, rather than trying to suppress or judge them. By developing compassion for yourself, CFT helps you reduce emotional distress and improve your overall well-being. It can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with self-criticism, low self-esteem, or feelings of unworthiness.
Integrative Therapies
Integrative therapies combine different therapeutic approaches to create a personalized treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. Instead of using one single method, this approach draws on a variety of techniques from different types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, and others. The goal is to tailor the therapy to you, based on your specific challenges, preferences, and life circumstances. Integrative therapy aims to address the mind, body, and emotions as a whole, focusing on helping you find the most effective ways to heal, grow, and overcome difficulties. It’s flexible, allowing your therapist to adapt the approach as your needs change over time.
