Stress and Anxiety

At MLA Psychology, we recognise that stress and anxiety, though common, are complex experiences that manifest uniquely in each individual.

Anxiety can take various forms, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, characterised by chronic anxiety and worry; Panic Disorder, marked by sudden, intense episodes of fear; Social Anxiety Disorder, involving overwhelming anxiety in social situations; and specific Phobias, intense fears of specific objects or situations.

We approach these conditions with a deep understanding of their intricacies.

Understanding Stress and Anxiety

At MLA Psychology, we recognise that stress and anxiety, though common, are complex experiences that manifest uniquely in each individual. Anxiety can take various forms, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, characterised by chronic anxiety and worry; Panic Disorder, marked by sudden, intense episodes of fear; Social Anxiety Disorder, involving overwhelming anxiety in social situations; and specific Phobias, intense fears of specific objects or situations. We approach these conditions with a deep understanding of their intricacies.

Personalised Treatment Strategies for Different Anxiety Types:

Our treatment strategies are tailored to the specific type of anxiety you are experiencing. For Generalised Anxiety Disorder, we might focus on strategies to control worry and improve stress management. In cases of Panic Disorder, we often work on techniques to manage and reduce the frequency of panic attacks. For Social Anxiety and Phobias, exposure therapy combined with cognitive-behavioural techniques can be particularly effective.

Evidence-Based Techniques:

Our team employs evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). These therapies are effective in altering unhelpful thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, and developing coping mechanisms that are specific to your anxiety and stress triggers.

Supportive and Empathetic Environment:

We provide a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore and address your anxieties and stress. Empowering you in your journey towards managing these conditions is our primary goal, helping you regain control and balance in your life.

Holistic and Integrative Approach:

Understanding the mind-body connection, we offer holistic treatment options that may include lifestyle advice, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies, tailored to complement the psychological therapies.

Focus on Long-Term Management:

Our aim is to equip you with skills and strategies for long-term management of stress and anxiety. We focus on building resilience and fostering a deeper understanding of yourself, enabling you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Versatile Treatment for Diverse Conditions:

While EMDR is most widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, its application extends to a broad range of mental health conditions. At MLA Psychology, we utilise EMDR to treat:

Anxiety disorders such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, and Social Anxiety.
Various forms of Depression including Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder.
Dissociative Disorders including Dissociative Identity Disorder and Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder.
Eating Disorders like Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder.
Gender Dysphoria.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders including OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Hoarding Disorder.
Personality Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Avoidant
Personality Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Other Trauma Disorders including Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder.

EMDR Therapy Process:

EMDR therapy at MLA Psychology involves a structured eight-phase process over multiple sessions, each lasting between one and 90 minutes. The phases include:

Patient History and Information Gathering: Understanding your background and specific traumatic events or memories.
Preparation and Education: Educating about EMDR and providing tools for emotional management.
Assessment: Identifying themes, specific memories, negative beliefs from trauma, and desired positive beliefs.
Desensitisation and Reprocessing: Activating memories and guiding you through reprocessing them.
Installation: Focusing on instilling a positive belief while processing a memory.
Body Scan: Identifying physical sensations and tracking symptom reduction.
Closure and Stabilisation: Ensuring calmness and safety post-session and discussing between-session expectations.
Reevaluation and Continuing Care: Reviewing progress and adjusting future therapy goals.