Dr Michaela Dunbar - Clinical Psychologist
I’m a Clinical Psychologist who helps people to find creative ways to overcome their hurdles and get on with the life they'd rather be living. I have a private practice in South East London where I specialise in face to face or online treatment to help children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of difficulties, including:
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks / anxiety attacks
• Agoraphobia
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety / social phobia
• Performance anxiety / fear of public speaking
• Health anxiety
• Hypochondriasis
• Queried autism
Interventions Used
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems. It combines cognitive therapy (examining the things you think) and behaviour therapy (examining the things you do).
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
If something traumatic has happened to you (whether it be a car accident, abuse or something seemingly less significant like being humiliated), the memory of your experience may come crashing back into your mind, forcing you to relive the original event with the same intensity of feeling - like it is taking place in the present moment. While it isn't possible to erase these memories, the process of Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) can alter the way these traumatic memories are stored within the brain - making them easier to manage and causing you less distress.
Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a kind of psychotherapy designed to help those who suffer from high levels of self-criticism and shame. It helps you to learn how to feel kinder towards yourself and others, and to feel safe and capable in a world that can seem overwhelming.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is innate, it can be cultivated through proven techniques. When we’re mindful, we reduce stress, enhance performance, gain insight and awareness through observing our own mind, and increase our attention to others’ well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach to therapy. You learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with your inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent you from moving forward in your life. With this understanding, you can begin to accept your issues and hardships and commit to making necessary changes in your behavior, regardless of what is going on in your life, and how you feel about it.