CAUSEWAY THERAPY

Understand. Process. Achieve
Face to face and online sessions available

I am Dr. Lisa Gaiotto, a Clinical Psychologist. I am dedicated to providing a therapeutic experience that balances evidence-based practice, deep empathy with the courage to push boundaries and foster personal growth. Together, we will explore your experiences, emotions, and challenges with great care and understanding.

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Dr LISA GAIOTTO

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I am a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years’ experience working in the NHS, private and third sector.
I create a safe and supportive environment so that we can work out together collaboratively and with curiosity how to best move forward in achieving your therapeutic goals.

I offer treatments for adults (over the age of 21 years) who experience difficulties such as:

Anxiety, including: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (excessive worries), Panic, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety and Heath Anxiety;
Depression and Low Mood;
Self-esteem and confidence;
Childhood and Adulthood traumatic events
Birth Trauma;
Bereavement and Loss;
Body dysmorphia;
Post Natal Depression and Anxiety
Relationship problems
Sleep difficulties
Adjusting to Parenthood
Disordered Eating
Burnout
Work related stress
Insomnia in the context of psychological difficulties
Shock responses

I have extensive experience of working with individuals who present with personal and professional stress including burnout, feel loss or stuck in these areas, and wish to re-balance these dimensions. I also have an interest in helping people who suffer from Generalised Anxiety, re. excessive worries, and people who experience negative life events.

Understanding and processing your unique experiences is an essential part of the therapeutic process. I firmly believe that empowering individuals to develop their own narratives can be a transformative endeavour. Together, we will work collaboratively to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore and make sense of your situation in a way that feels meaningful and authentic to you.

We will explore your thoughts, emotions, and memories, helping you to connect the fragmented pieces of your experience and find meaning. This process can enable you to gain a deeper understanding of how your experiences have affected your life and how you can reclaim your sense of self and well-being.

I draw from a number of evidence-based modalities with the aim to empower you by giving voice to your experiences, challenging negative beliefs, and promoting resilience.

My role as a therapist is to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your past history and present difficulties at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together, we will navigate the emotions that arise and integrate your experiences in a way that supports you making meaningful changes.

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CREDENTIALS

REGISTRATIONS

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Psychological Society.

These are professional registers that ensure standards of training, conduct and skills are met and regulated.

• British Psychological Society. Chartered Membership number: 147270

• Health and Care Professionals Council. Registration number: PYL29295

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Psychology, Padua University (Italy)

Doctorate in Organisational and Working Psychology, Padua University (Italy)

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University (UK)

FURTHER TRAINING

Deep Brain Reorienting, DBR, 2024
Introduction to Internal Family Systems, Internal Family Systems UK, 2022
World In Motion: Regulating the Human Race using Yoga, Breath & Movement, WPF, 2022
Reclaiming the Body: trauma sensitive yoga, WPF, 2022
Trauma-Focused ACT, Contextual Consulting, 2022
ACT For Perfectionism, People-Pleasing And Other Forms of Rigid Rule-following, Contextual Consulting, 2021
Compassion Focused Therapy, The Association for Psychological Therapies, 2021
Psychological Treatments for Insomnia in the Context of Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues, Essential Therapy Training, 2021
ACT: 100 Key Points & Techniques, Contextual Consulting, 2020
Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, Contextual Consulting, 2019
How and When to Work with Trauma Memories, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, 2019
Introduction to Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy, 2018
Attachment, Therapy and the Brain, Counselling Centre, 2018
Emotion Focussed Therapy, Level 1, Professor Les Greenberg, 2017
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Anxiety and Depression, Contextual Consulting, 2017
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Supervisor, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Neuroscience, 2017
Perinatal Mental Health, Dr. McLackland, 2016
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bromley Healthcare, 2016
Mindfulness workshop,
Bromley Healthcare, 2015
Working with imagery, Dr. Ann Hackmann, 2014

EMPLOYMENT

2013-2014 Clinical Psychologist, Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services

2014-2017, Clinial Psychologist/ Senior CBT Psychotherapist, IAPT Services

2017- 2018, Clinical Psychologist, Inpatient Adolescents Unit, Private Provider

2017- Present, Independent Private Practice, Causeway Therapy

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Personalised to your needs

TREATMENT MODELS

I integrate several therapeutic approaches:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Mindfulness based models, and relaxation techniques
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) informed interventions.
Internal Family System (IFS) informed interventions.
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR).

We will regularly review your progress and tailor therapy to ensure you are getting the most out of your sessions.

I provide therapy in English or Italian.

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THERAPY

Sometimes private practice is not able to provide the necessary level of treatment, such as when individuals have suicidal thoughts. If you experience suicidal ideation, self harm or harm to or from others then I am afraid but I will not be able to support you. In this case, please make an appointment with your GP; If you are at immediate risk please call 999 or attend A&E.

Therapy is about developing an insight about yourself and your difficulties, process them and move towards achieving your personal aims.

The therapeutic process is a collaborative progress tailored to your unique needs. It's about creating a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, with the support and guidance of a trained professional. Each step, from the initial consultation to the conclusion of therapy, is designed to guide you to make meaningful and lasting changes in your life.

Some goals for therapy might be to manage anxiety, to socialise more, to become more active and motivated, to accept what you cannot change and commit to follow your values, to re-define relationships and feel more connected, to assess and follow your personal or professional values, to adjust to loss or change, to process difficult memories and events so that they are not so dominant in your life, to come to terms with chronic pain and illness, to improve your sleep, to learn to relax and “let go”, to improve your concentration, and more.

Therapy can be a powerful tool which can be applied to work situations, for example to manage a challenging employee or difficult changes in your organisation, to manage boundaries between employers and employees.

I can help you developing stress management strategies, and improve your work-life balance.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Understanding the therapeutic process can make the idea of starting therapy less daunting.

1. Initial Assessment: 2 sessions

The therapeutic process usually begins with an initial consultation. During these sessions, I will gather information about your current concerns, history, and goals for therapy. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any apprehensions you may have.

Purpose: To build a foundational understanding of your needs and establish a rapport between us. It also allows us to determine if there is a positive connection.
What to Expect: I will asked about your mental health history, family background, and any current life stressors. This session is typically more about gathering information than diving into therapy.

2. Therapeutic Interventions

The core of the therapeutic process involves regular sessions, typically held weekly. During these sessions, we will use various therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs. Common approaches include:

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.

- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): helps individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their values to improve psychological flexibility.

- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Teaches mindfulness techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

- Trauma-informed models: they are structured treatments for PTSD/trauma that helps individuals process traumatic memories, modifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours related to the trauma.

- Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR): a gentler form of EMDT to process traumatic experiences by targeting the brain's innate defensive responses to help reorganise emotional and sensory memories.

3. Progress Review

Periodically, we will review your progress to see how well the therapy is working. This involves discussing changes, improvements, or any ongoing challenges. We may adjust the treatment plan based on these discussions to better suit your evolving needs.

Purpose: To ensure the therapy is effective and to make adjustments as needed.
What to Expect: Honest reflections on your experiences and reciprocal feedback from me.

4. Ending and Maintenance

Therapy concludes when you feel you have achieved your goals or have gained enough tools to manage your concerns independently. This process is usually planned and discussed in advance. However, therapy can also continue as needed for ongoing support.

Purpose: To ensure a smooth transition out of therapy and empower you to maintain progress.
What to Expect: Discussion about the end of therapy, including coping strategies and future plans. You may also discuss the option of periodic check-ins if needed.

The length of therapy varies generally from 8 to 24 sessions. This will be defined by combining personal preference, goals, difficulties, commitment and engagement with evidence based treatments defined by NICE guidelines. Sometimes more complex difficulties require longer term therapy. I will discussed this with you, so that we can work collaboratively towards the best options.

Individual and couple sessions last 50 minute.

FEES

Self funded

All sessions last 50 minutes

Individual and couple therapy

In person or online: Monday (9am- 1pm), Tuesday (9am-1pm) and Thursday (9am-1pm): £110 per session

Online only: Wednesday

Trainees Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists

£90 per session

Clinical supervision

£70 per session groups or individual

Private Medical Insurances fees will vary depending on personal insurance.

I am registered with several health insurance companies including AVIVA, BUPA, BUPA Global, Cigna, WPA, Allianz Partners, AXA Health and Vitality/Nuffield Health.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Therapy is a confidential service, and information will not be disclosed to third parties unless I am concerned about your safety and that of those around you. In these situations, I have the professional and legal responsibility to inform other agencies such as your GP, community mental health team, social services, the police or local authority with the aim to keep you and others safe. I will discuss it with you, if this will be the case.

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SERVICES

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INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

WORK RELATED STRESS

Burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or background. It can leave you feeling emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and detached from the things that once brought you joy. However, there is hope for recovery.

I offer a compassionate and evidence-based approach to help you navigate this challenging experience. Together, we will explore the underlying causes of your burnout, identify unhelpful patterns, and develop practical strategies to restore your energy, passion, and motivation.

Through a collaborative therapeutic process, we will address the unique factors contributing to your burnout, whether they stem from work-related stress, personal pressures, or a combination of both. My goal is to provide you with the tools and support needed to cultivate resilience, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover a sense of fulfilment and purpose in your life.

Moreover, insomnia related to work stress is common, and an issue we can address in therapy.

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

Whether you are a newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, having a knowledgeable and supportive supervisor can greatly enhance your skills, confidence, and effectiveness in helping clients.

I offer a collaborative and growth-oriented approach to support your professional journey. I understand the unique challenges and complexities that arise in therapeutic work, and I am committed to creating a safe and constructive space where you can reflect on your practice, receive valuable feedback, and expand your clinical capabilities.

Through our supervision sessions, we will explore a range of topics, including case conceptualization, treatment planning, ethical considerations, and therapeutic interventions. I will provide guidance and insight tailored to your specific needs, helping you navigate challenging clinical situations, enhance your therapeutic techniques, and develop your professional identity.

Drawing from evidence-based practices and my own clinical expertise, I will help you deepen your understanding of therapeutic modalities, stay abreast of the latest research, and integrate new approaches into your work. Together, we will foster your growth as a clinician, ensuring that you provide the highest standard of care to your clients.

Whether you are seeking individual or group supervision, I am dedicated to creating a supportive and enriching experience that promotes your professional development and nurtures your personal growth. I value the unique strengths and perspectives that you bring to the table and will work collaboratively with you to maximize your potential as a mental health professional.

I provide supervision to Counsellors, Psychologists, CBT Therapist, as well as Allied Professions working with complex clients, such as specialist Health Visitors team, and HIV teams.

By embracing a balance of compassion and challenge, we will work together to examine your beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that may be hindering your progress. Through this process, we will explore new perspectives and develop practical strategies to overcome obstacles.

Together, we will create a space where you can explore your potential and move towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Therapy aims at improving one's life by connecting the dots and develop an insight into how your difficulties developed over time.

We will look at the patterns, thoughts and behaviours which might unintentionally maintain the problem. We will consider your strengths, abilities and values which we can capitalise on to build a better future. Importantly, we will consider what strategies and steps you can initiate to move forward and make choices that are consistent with what is actually important to you.

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

Like EMDR, DBR is a type of therapy that helps people process traumatic, shocking or painful experiences and emotions. DBR works with the brain and body’s natural ways of handling stress and trauma by following the original sequence of physiological responses that occurred when the deep brain had been alerted to a threat or a disruption.

It is a gentle form of intervention to address negative events and reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed by emotions.

DBR techniques focus on how your body feels when remembering the event, where is initial tension in your body, and helps the body to process the initial shock. DBR also helps the release of the emotional response. DBR is a body-based therapy modality. Therefore, the focus of the sessions will mainly be on the physiological and bodily sensations and the emotions that arise rather than, unlike traditional talking therapies, on a verbal narration of the events.

DBR has been develop to address PTSD, childhood/adult trauma and attachment disruptions. However, its clinical application is wider and is being used to work with other psychological difficulties such as anxiety. If you want to find more please contact me on causewaytherapy@gmail.com

EMERGENCIES

Please note, I do not provide an emergency service; the email and telephone are not to be used in an emergency.

If you are worried about immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call 999, or visit your local A&E where you will be speaking to a health care professional with mental health training and expertise.

If you are not at immediate risk but would like support and advice, please visit your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123 or Mental Health Matters Helpline: 0800 107 0160

For non-emergency medical advice call 111

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Testimonials from Corporate Clients

"Lisa delivered an extremely insightful and interesting session on how the coronavirus pandemic may have affected our mental wellbeing. Lisa provided helpful tips and advice to colleagues about how to manage their feelings both in and out of work as we transition out of lockdown. Lisa confidently presented this session to over 200+ employees at Sky and it was extremely well received, with lots of positive feedback.

Thank you for helping so many people at Sky and being relatable, honest and open. I would very much recommend Lisa for a professional session in the workplace".

Zoe Moody, Marketing Strategy Manager, Sky.

Testimonials from Individual Clients

"My sessions with you have been invaluable. You’ve been professional, patient, understanding, you really listened and made me feel comfortable talking about everything I was struggling with, without judgement. Your knowledge, guidance and support has helped me to feel like myself again and free of overwhelming anxiety, which I’m confident will be a lasting change. Thank you!"(Ms B, 41)

"Thank you so much for your support" (Mr A., 32)

"Therapy has been beneficial to me, and it has really helped my everyday life" (Ms W., 28)

"I have learned to not be afraid of fear any longer" (Mrs B., 49)

"You are a great therapist" (Mrs P., 66)

"Thank you for your help during these difficult times"

(Mr C., 45)

"These sessions have been a great help, and a wonderful journey of discovery. Thank you, I feel so much better" (Mrs G, 43)

"I wanted to say a big thank you for all your help over the last few months as you really have made a difference" (Ms Y, 44)

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Musing

Coping Strategies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can feel overwhelming, with persistent worry and tension affecting various aspects of daily life. While professional help is crucial, there are several coping strategies that can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness involves staying present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Regular mindfulness practice can help reduce anxiety by breaking the cycle of worry and bringing your focus back to the present. Meditation exercises, such as deep breathing and guided imagery, can also calm the mind and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Tip: Set aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness meditation. Use apps like Headspace or Calm to guide you through the process.

2. Develop Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Your physical health plays a significant role in your mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Exercise, in particular, releases endorphins, which can improve mood and decrease stress.

Tip: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or cycling.

3. Challenge Negative Thought Patterns

GAD often involves a pattern of negative and irrational thinking. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can help you identify and challenge these thoughts. When you notice yourself worrying excessively, ask yourself if the worry is realistic or if there is evidence to support it.

Tip: Keep a journal to track your worries and write down more balanced and rational responses to those thoughts.

4. Set Aside 'Worry Time'

Designate a specific time each day for worrying, limiting it to a set period (e.g., 15-30 minutes). This approach can help you contain your worries rather than letting them spill over into your entire day.

Tip: During your "worry time," jot down your worries, and then consciously shift your focus away from them for the rest of the day.

5. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

Caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase feelings of nervousness and jitteriness, while alcohol can disrupt sleep and mood.

Tip: Opt for herbal teas or water instead of coffee or energy drinks, especially if you notice they make you feel more anxious.

6. Build a Support System

Talking to friends, family, or support groups can provide a sense of relief and reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can make managing GAD more manageable.

Tip: Consider joining a support group for anxiety where you can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges.

7. Seek Professional Help

While self-help strategies are beneficial, it’s important to seek professional help if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life.I can provide tailored treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Conclusion

Coping with GAD is a journey that involves finding the strategies that work best for you. Implementing these coping mechanisms can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and with the right tools and support, managing GAD is possible.

CONTACT ME

Location:

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Online therapy available

causewaytherapy@gmail.com

Data Protection GDPR and Privacy Statement

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is concerned with personal information that I collect, store, and share. As the Data Controller for purposes of the Data Protection I am registered with ICO (Information Commissioners Office) for safekeeping of this information.
When contacting me via my website, your information is emailed to me by Wix which manages my website. Your information will not be shared or sold to any other person or organisation.
A full Privacy policy can be sent by email on request and will be given to you before your first appointment, for you to read and sign before we can commence our work together.

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