Psychotherapy - Geoff Straw - Counselling

What are the ingredients for successful therapy?

Geoff Straw — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:15:42 +0000

A recent study* looked at why psychotherapy works – or more specifically, the conditions that promote positive growth and change. One trait stood out among all of the others such as social support, beliefs, etc. The study indicated that psychological flexibility was the most important quality for mental health and well-being regardless of the presenting issue that the client began therapy with. Psychological flexibility includes the ability to be aware of the present moment, your thoughts, feelings, sensations. This has commonly been described as the power of the present moment, or mindfulness in daily life. People who cultivate a mindful approach to their experience may be less negatively influenced by their thoughts and judgements – in other words, they may not be carried away by the mental “chatter” or stuck in destructive thought patterns that can cause anxiety or depression.

Psychological flexibility also includes a willingness to be open to all emotions and reactions, even ones that are difficult or painful. Life does sometimes involve painful loss and grief and trying to avoid these states may be more harmful than helpful. Mindfulness and openness can be a vehicle to move through all states with acceptance and letting go.

Finally, psychological flexibility also involves the skill of valued engagement which means finding your purpose in life and actively living that purpose. It may involve finding out what is really important to you – for example family, meaningful work, and working toward a goal that is uniquely yours. In other words, having a reason to get up each morning and live your day. It can be challenge to know what exactly that is in your life, finding a skilled therapist can assist you in uncovering

*S. Hayes, 2023

Originally posted 2025-11-16 09:13:20.

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Freedom

Geoff Straw — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:15:29 +0000

The greatest gift you can give yourself is freedom from what others think.

E. Hicks

Originally posted 2026-04-08 19:52:29.

The post Freedom first appeared on Geoff Straw - Counselling.

What is EMDR?

Geoff Straw — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:15:28 +0000

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that helps people recover from the emotional impact of traumatic or distressing life experiences. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is now widely recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also used to help people experiencing anxiety, grief, phobias, and other conditions linked to difficult memories.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to discuss painful experiences in great detail. Instead, while briefly recalling a distressing memory, the therapist guides the client through bilateral stimulation—typically side-to-side eye movements, alternating taps, or tones. This process appears to help the brain reprocess memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and more integrated into a person’s life story.

The goal of EMDR is not to erase memories but to reduce the distress they cause. As treatment progresses, people often report that memories feel less vivid or emotionally charged, allowing them to respond to present-day situations with greater calm, confidence, and resilience.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that has been endorsed by numerous national and international health organizations for the treatment of trauma. When provided by a trained therapist, it can be a powerful tool for healing, helping individuals move beyond the effects of past experiences and toward improved emotional well-being.

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