Our Approach to Therapy | Harlow Psychology

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At Harlow Psychology, we provide evidence-based, trauma-informed psychological therapy tailored to your individual needs.

While a range of therapeutic approaches may be used throughout your care, our core principles remain consistent. Therapy is structured, collaborative, and paced according to your needs, with an emphasis on emotional and psychological safety, emotional regulation, and meaningful, sustainable change over time.

Rather than applying a single model, we draw on evidence-based psychological frameworks and adapt them to your circumstances, goals, and capacity.

  • Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process.

    We focus on:

    • developing a clear understanding of your experiences

    • identifying patterns that may be maintaining difficulties

    • building practical strategies to support change

    • working at a pace that feels manageable

    This approach supports both immediate coping and longer-term improvement.

  • All therapy at Harlow Psychology is delivered within a trauma-informed framework.

    This means:

    • emotional safety is prioritised

    • therapy is paced according to your capacity

    • experiences are understood in context

    • you remain in control of the process

    This is relevant not only for trauma-related difficulties, but for a wide range of presentations.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

    CBT involves:

    • identifying unhelpful thinking patterns

    • developing more balanced perspectives

    • changing behaviours that may be maintaining distress

    • practising practical strategies between sessions

    It is widely used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, and related difficulties.

    Learn more about CBT

  • EMDR is an evidence-based therapy used to process and integrate distressing or traumatic experiences.

    It involves:

    • structured preparation and stabilisation

    • identifying target experiences

    • reprocessing memories using bilateral stimulation

    • integrating new perspectives over time

    EMDR is commonly used for trauma and post-traumatic stress, and is delivered in a carefully paced and supportive way.

    Learn more about EMDR

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a skills-based approach that supports emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning.

    It focuses on four key areas:

    • mindfulness

    • distress tolerance

    • emotion regulation

    • interpersonal effectiveness

    DBT is particularly helpful for individuals who experience intense emotions, impulsivity, or difficulties in relationships.

  • Trauma-Focused CBT is a structured approach designed to support individuals who have experienced traumatic events.

    It integrates cognitive and behavioural strategies with trauma-sensitive interventions.

    Therapy may include:

    • developing emotional regulation skills

    • understanding the impact of trauma

    • gradually processing distressing experiences

    • addressing beliefs such as self-blame or shame

    This work is carefully paced to ensure it remains manageable and appropriate.

  • Schema Therapy explores long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating, often developed early in life.

    It focuses on:

    • identifying core patterns

    • understanding their origins

    • developing healthier ways of meeting emotional needs

  • ACT focuses on developing psychological flexibility.

    It supports individuals to:

    • relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions

    • clarify personal values

    • take meaningful action aligned with those values

  • IFS understands the mind as consisting of different “parts”, each with its own role.

    Therapy involves:

    • developing awareness of these parts

    • reducing internal conflict

    • supporting integration through a compassionate approach

  • Used to gradually approach feared situations or experiences in a structured and supported way, helping to reduce avoidance and anxiety over time.

  • A collaborative approach that supports individuals to explore ambivalence and strengthen motivation for change.

  • Focused on identifying strengths, building on what is already working, and developing practical steps towards change.

  • Used with children to support emotional expression and processing through developmentally appropriate methods.

  • Therapy at Harlow Psychology is integrative.

    This means:

    • different approaches may be used at different stages

    • treatment is adapted based on your needs and goals

    • no single model is applied rigidly

    For example:

    • anxiety may involve CBT and exposure-based strategies

    • trauma may involve EMDR and stabilisation work

    • emotional regulation may draw on DBT skills

    The focus remains on using the most appropriate approach at the right time.

  • If you are considering therapy, you can submit an enquiry to discuss your needs and determine the most appropriate approach.

    Our team can assist you in:

    • arranging an initial appointment

    • answering questions about therapy

    • matching you with a psychologist suited to your concerns

  • There is no single approach that is appropriate for every situation.

    A flexible, structured, and trauma-informed approach allows therapy to be adapted to your individual needs, supporting meaningful and sustainable change over time.