Gain a new perspective on life

By BARBARA WARD

The stresses and strains of a busy life can sometimes lead to people feeling overwhelmed.

According to psychotherapist Karen Wilson they may need to gain a new perspective - and therapy can help.

Says Karen, who has just launched Alliance CBT Services in Newark: "Life is so busy sometimes, especially for women coping with a job and family.
"Over a period of time if things become really overwhelming coping strategies can break down and this can lead to depression or anxiety."

Rather than treat the problem with medication, Karen suggests that cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) can help.

It involves talking to a therapist who helps the client make sense of their problems by breaking them down into smaller parts.

The therapist aims to help people learn new ways of thinking and behaving in order to cope more effectively with what life throws at them. And, according to Karen, to equip them with the skills to move forward with their lives.

Karen (45) a former police officer who lives near Lincoln, suffered ME and decided to consult a therapist, which is where her interest in CBT began.

Since leaving the force she gained a first degree in social psychology at Loughborough and a masters in CBT at Derby University, which is where she met her colleague, Gary Brooks (46) of Nottingham.

Gary served in the Army before working in the health service and becoming a senior lecturer.

As well as helping those with depression and anxiety, cognitive behavioural psychotherapy is also effective for phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress and anger management.

At the first session the client is assessed so the therapist can identify the specific areas that need working on.

Karen says CBT focuses on the here and now and the therapist aims to work with the client to sort out problems.

Generally eight to ten sessions are needed. A session costs £50.

Says Karen: "CBT is a form of self-help. We equip people with the skills to cope."

Alliance CBT Services is at unit 10, Stephenson Court, Brunel Drive.

ABOVE: Karen Wilson shows a client some information about cognitive behavioural therapy at her offices on Stephenson Court.260607MW1-2

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