The Bamworth Approach
The Bamworth Approach to Counselling, Psychotherapy and Specialist Mentoring is an eclectic and multi-dimensional form of therapy that aims to provide a well-rounded and robust approach during analysis. It combines concepts and tools from the Cognitive Behavioural, Existential, Humanistic and Psychodynamic models of therapy, alongside those of Neuro-Psychotherapy allowing for a deeper exploration of the inner workings of the mind.
The Bamworth Approach has been specifically designed for those seeking counselling for the first time but find the idea of doing so a little disconcerting. There is a choice of receiving a ‘soft form’ of therapy which amongst other things is more ‘Person-Centered’ in nature and for those who would like to explore matters on a deeper level, there is the option of having therapy based on the ‘Psychodynamic’ model in combination with other psychoanalytic concepts. The intention of this form of therapy is to help the individual concerned make links between past and present experiences so as to gain a deeper understanding of the presenting problem.
In addition, The Bamworth Approach offers Specialist Mentoring, for those who do not wish to have counselling or psychotherapy but would like some guidance on coping more effectively during challenging periods. It can be particularly helpful for those suffering from anxiety or stress including specific mental health conditions like Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis or Schizophrenia. It can also be very helpful for those with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specialist mentoring differs from counselling and psychotherapy in that it is instructive in nature and largely solution based, focusing more on the problem at hand as opposed to exploring past experiences.
The Bamworth Approach places special emphasis on the subject of ‘Depression’ and the debilitating impact this can have both physically and psychologically for the sufferer. One could say that many roads in life can lead to the onset of a depressive breakdown - chronic anxiety, anger, grief, various forms of loss and the breakdown of significant relationships. Many affected by this debilitating condition often describe it as ‘worse than having a physical illness’ due to the crippling effects it can have on the mind as well as the body.
The Bamworth Approach via therapy aims to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding depression and other mental health conditions. So many suffer in silence, too frightened to seek help for fear of being perceived as weak and plagued with feelings of shame, often blaming themselves for having a mental health condition. Suffering from poor mental health is not a choice one makes, therefore, the word ‘shame’ should not be associated with it. Given the choice, everyone would choose to have good mental health throughout their life span. Talking about one’s difficulties or mental health condition can be a cathartic experience for the sufferer and this is the form of help this specific approach aims to provide. In addition, an important note is made of the fact that culture and race can have quite a significant role in shaping an individual’s personality along with biological, environmental and sociological influences affecting the manner in which each individual experiences psychological trauma. Therefore, a conscious awareness of cultural diversity, race, religion and sexual orientation coupled with sensitivity is maintained during therapy at all times.
“The human brain is a “social organ of adaptation” stimulated to grow through positive and negative interactions with others. The quality and nature of our relationships becomes encoded within the neural infrastructure of our brains. It is through this translation of experience into neurobiological structures that nature and nurture become one.” – Louis Cozolino