Adam James Draper

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is quite a structured, problem focused, action-oriented approach. It is also goal focused and requires you to do work between sessions.  CBT focuses on thoughts and behaviours whereas other approaches may focus on emotions or the body first. 

I have a burgeoning interest in Somatic approaches to therapy and CBT is starting to consider body and emotions more and more in its approach. I also believe that the therapeutic alliance and creating a felt sense of safety are the main change agents in therapy and everything else flows from this.

My practice is existentially attuned, constructivist and postmodern.  I draw from the interpersonal-process and emotional schema traditions of CBT. This emphasises the centrality of the therapeutic relationship, emotional immediacy and paying attention to what’s going on in the (virtual or actual) room as we interact with each other, along with the many useful tools and techniques that come from the Cognitive-Behavioural approach.

I use “third wave” approaches too, which focus on exploring meaning, uncertainty and developing psychological flexibility towards emotions, thoughts and behaviours. I also offer EMDR which is an integrative therapy that works directly with trauma memory and emotion.

Currently my interests are in working with anger, stress, shame, trauma, depression, and anxiety in all its forms. My CBT approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed and attachment aware, influenced by Buddhist psychology, Mindfulness, Somatic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy. Alongside this I utilise ideas and practices connected with Emergent Strategy, existential-phenomenology, neuropsychology, post-structuralist theory, and the Power-Threat-Meaning framework.