Life before therapy - (What you need to know about me)
Prior to entering the world of therapy I was a serving Police officer for some 30 years. During this time and latterly as Chief Instructor at the Scottish Regional Police Dog Training School I had always been involved in the psychological approach to training. To facilitate this study I participated in a Higher National Certificated course, which included Organisational psychology. I have also experienced probably more than my fair share of traumatic incidents during my service, the most notable being my involvement in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Pan Am flight 103 which crashed in the town of Lockerbie in 1988. Having retired from the Police Service it seemed a natural step to train and then enter into the world of therapy.
Progression in Therapeutic Skills - (What you need to know about me, professionally)
Since qualifying as a Clinical Hypnotherapist at the Twa Acres Hypnotherapy Training Centre, Dunfermline I have further enhanced my skills via attaining Master level in the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Continuing my studies into the field of Stress Management and, at the conclusion, was awarded the Advanced Diploma in Professional Stress Management. In recent years the main focus of my interest, and also therapy, is in relation to Cognitive model of therapeutic intervention. The Cognitive model underpins all aspects of the therapy I now offer, including the therapeutic approach I offer with regard to the depressive condition. (See Depression site) In order to further this I have trained in Cognitive Therapy (CBT) with David Kato Ph.D and have successfully passed the examination set by him in respect of the Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I have also undertaken a further CBT training course that is run in conjunction with the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS. To emphasis my commitment to the cognitive model of therapy I am currently involved in a CBT diploma course that is being facilitated by the Oxford College and accredited by the Complimentary Medical Association. Supervision is an essential element of Cognitive therapy and I undertake supervision on a four-week cycle.
I would like to take this opportunity to elaborate on the Cognitive model of therapy. Cognitive therapy is a time limited, problem focused approach to changing maladaptive or rigid ways of thinking and feeling. The cognitive model states that it is the interpretation of an event and not the event itself that influences one’s subsequent emotional, behavioural and physiological responses. This, of course emphasises the meaning, that a person gives to a specific event. Beginning in childhood, people develop certain beliefs about themselves, other people and the world they live in. These “core beliefs” influence the development of other classes of belief and negative thought patterns. In identifying these negative or distorted perceptions, the therapist / clinician can evaluate and change the way the client is thinking and ultimately feeling.
Because this therapy is pertaining to the client’s individual needs and focuses on their negative / anxious thought patterns and processes they will learn to become more flexible and able to accept and adapt to new cognitive skills. CBT therefore encourages better coping skills and strategies and more importantly, well into the future, creates and maintains a significantly reduced relapse rate.
For example, a person with an anxiety state has learnt to use selective attention, safety behaviours and avoidance tactics to cope with specific situations and experiences. With CBT they will gradually learn new ways to overcome this and realize these were not life threatening situations after all. With learning a new alternative viewpoint, they also realize they have more control, and in the long term, increase their self-esteem and confidence levels.
All humans have the ability to change the way they are able to deal with emotional issues, by focusing on the way their thoughts, images, beliefs and attitudes affect these situations. If they hold maladaptive or dysfunctional thought processes, from perhaps negative learned beliefs and responses, this often initiates mental health problems such as depression, which frequently generate co-morbid mental health attributes, such as the components of anxiety disorder, i.e. panic attacks, obsessive–compulsive disorder, phobic response and post traaumatic stress disorder.
During the cognitive behavioural sessions, a plan of action, based on the formulation created by the therapist, is essential. Providing self help assignments for the client, which will generally involve behavioural experiments, is a significant element of the therapy. This, of course, is related to one of the mainstays of cognitive therapy, that the client, on completion of therapy, can function as his/her own therapist. Consequently, it is important that the client participate in their own therapy regime. Clients maladaptive thinking processes are often habitual and operate 24 hours a day, therefore it is essential they record and even change these thinking patterns during this time. This therapeutic structure is valuable, so the client recognizes there is valuable support and a plan of action in progress. This in turn leads to a successful outcome.
Feedback at the beginning of each session is vital, such as what has worked and what has not. The emphasis is on collaborating together and to experiment and explore different ways for the individual client to overcome their difficulties.
As the defined maladaptive cognition's are explored and identified by the therapist, then a flexible approach can be incorporated during the session within hypnosis. David Kato Ph.d has labelled this approach to therapy “internal focused CBT”. This approach to therapy endeavours to utilise various approaches to therapy to facilitate recovery as efficiently and effectively as is possible.
I have also received training in the use of Solution Focused Brief Therapy. At this time I felt that I had reached a level of competence, which would enable me to offer a high standard of professional competency to my clients. However, I believe that all skills have to be consolidated and then advanced to a higher level. Consequently, to further enhance my skills, I have a specific interest in the application of a therapeutic approach to the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. To enhance my knowledge in this area I have studied with Michael Mahoney, a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and acknowledged authority in the therapy approach to I.B.S. in the United Kingdom and Melissa J. Roth CHt., PhD© who holds a similar position in the United States of America. To continue to advance my existing knowledge I fully subscribe to the practice of Continual Professional Development and regularly attend workshops and seminars into all aspects relating to the up- to- date approaches to therapeutic intervention.
General Information (What you may want to know)
I am based in Kirkintilloch, which is near Glasgow, although my clients attend from all areas of Central Scotland. I practise a professional therapeutic approach to resolving the problems or situations that concern you most. I offer one-to-one counselling and therapeutic hypnosis to assist you to perceive and resolve the situations that you conclude to be holding you back in your day-to-day life. As an addition to my therapeutic practice I provide therapy services on behalf of the National Phobic Society.
Clinical Hypnotherapy is popular as a complimentary therapy for a range of dilemmas and can be used to bring relief to a wide variety of existing conditions. Drawing on the training, instruction and continued guidance, which I receive, I utilise hypnosis and all other techniques, which are available to me including Cognitive Therapy, Neuro linguistic Planning, Stress Management and Solution Focused Brief Therapy for the benefit of my clients. While offering therapy in the areas generally served by complimentary therapy, Smoking Cessation etc.
I have an interest in Phobia’s, Panic and Anxiety states and accordingly I am included in the Register of special interest held by the General Hypnotherapy Register * in respect of these specific areas of therapy.
For further information on appointments, or just to see if I can help then please contact me. I am always available to listen.
George C Smith DHP MNSPH LNCP MANLP Adv. Dip.PSM GQHP GHR
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