State-of-the-art new therapy is offered to the community
- Thursday, November 9, 2017
The University of Roehampton is inviting members of the community to come forward for free therapy sessions - as part of an innovative new therapy research programme aimed at helping people who are experiencing depression.
Based at the Centre for Research in Social and Psychological Transformation (CREST) Therapy clinic at the Whiteland’s campus—which currently provides students with support for depression-related issues—the clinic is now offering up to 24 sessions of ‘Pluralistic Therapy’ to people who live locally.
The University of Roehampton is leading research in London and in the UK on Pluralistic Therapy and shared decision making in therapy. This form of psychotherapy draws on trusted methods, but works in collaboration with clients. It helps people find the right approach for them, enabling them to reach their goals.
The Pluralistic Therapy is being offered by a counselling psychologist or an experienced trainee psychologist or counsellor. It is closely supervised by a fully qualified therapist and is part of a research program, which aims to find out how to improve treatments for people with depression.
Initial research shows that Pluralistic Therapy is associated with reductions in levels of depression, and that matching therapy to a clients’ preferences gives improved outcomes. Research also shows that most clients want more involvement in decisions about their care.
Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University or Roehampton, who co-founded Pluralistic Therapy, said:
‘Mental health concerns affect people from all walks of life, ages and different cultures and it’s not always easy to deal with. Depression can be triggered for a number of reasons and it is important that people who want a talking therapy find an approach that suits them’.
‘Pluralistic therapy can be a good solution. It is tailor-made to suit all clients and as the name suggests—it’s a means of finding what is right for clients from a number of therapies, to help them overcome their challenges. Clients can also set goals along the way—if that suits them. If people are already seeing their GP or another mental health professional they are still welcome to contact us. However, they should discuss this with the GP or professional first’.
Members of the community who are interested in taking part can contact the Crest Clinic by email on crestclinic@roehampton.ac.uk. People have to be 18-years-old or over to attend the sessions, and be willing to take part in the research elements of the program. This includes completing some questionnaires prior to each session and having sessions recorded.