Specialist Therapies
EMDR, EFT, Art Therapy, and other therapeutic approaches
At Poole Therapies, our counsellors and psychotherapists use a range of specialist therapeutic approaches to support clients in ways that best suit their individual needs.
Different therapeutic methods can help people explore thoughts, emotions, memories, and experiences in different ways. Some approaches focus on reflective conversation, while others use structured techniques, creative expression, or body-based approaches to support emotional processing.
Our therapists are trained in a variety of recognised therapeutic methods, allowing them to tailor therapy to the needs, goals, and preferences of each individual client.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach originally developed to help people process traumatic memories. It is now widely used to support individuals experiencing trauma, distressing memories, anxiety, and overwhelming life events.
During EMDR therapy, guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation are used while recalling aspects of a difficult memory. This process can help the brain reprocess experiences that may have become “stuck,” allowing them to be integrated in a healthier and less distressing way.
Many people find EMDR helpful when working through experiences such as trauma, post-traumatic stress, or difficult life events.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
EFT, sometimes referred to as “tapping,” is an approach that combines elements of cognitive therapy with gentle tapping on specific points of the body.
This method is designed to help regulate emotional responses, reduce stress, and process difficult feelings. Some clients find EFT helpful when working with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or persistent negative thought patterns.
EFT can sometimes be integrated alongside traditional talking therapy as part of a wider therapeutic process.
Art Therapy and Creative Therapies
For some people, emotions and experiences can be difficult to express in words. Art therapy offers an alternative way to explore feelings through creative expression.
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy that uses creative materials such as drawing, painting, clay, collage, movement, or symbolic imagery to help people explore and understand their emotions.
The focus is not on artistic ability or producing a finished piece of art. Instead, the creative process itself can help people access thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
Creative therapeutic approaches can be particularly helpful when working with:
- trauma and emotional processing
- complex or overwhelming feelings
- experiences that feel difficult to talk about
- self-exploration and identity
- emotional regulation
No artistic experience is required to benefit from art therapy.
Art Therapy with Eleanor Strange
At Poole Therapies, Eleanor (Ellie) Strange offers specialist Integrative Arts Psychotherapy and Art Therapy.
Ellie is an experienced psychotherapist who integrates creative therapeutic methods alongside talking therapy. Her work draws on a range of psychological theories and approaches, allowing therapy to be tailored to each individual client.
Her art psychotherapy practice may include creative forms such as:
- painting and drawing
- sculpture and clay work
- sand play and symbolic imagery
- poetry and creative writing
- movement and expressive techniques
These approaches can help people explore experiences that may feel difficult to express verbally, particularly when working with trauma, emotional distress, or complex life experiences.
Ellie has worked across NHS services and charitable organisations, supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health and emotional challenges. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in creating a safe space where people can explore their experiences at their own pace.
Integrative and Tailored Therapy
Many therapists work integratively, meaning they draw on multiple therapeutic approaches depending on what may be most helpful for the individual.
Rather than following a single model rigidly, therapy may combine elements from different approaches to support:
- emotional processing
- increased self-awareness
- improved coping strategies
- personal growth and resilience
This flexible approach allows therapy to adapt to each person’s needs and experiences.
Other Therapeutic Approaches
In addition to specialist therapies such as EMDR, EFT, and Art Therapy, some of our therapists draw on a range of recognised therapeutic approaches to meet each client's individual needs and goals. Therapy is rarely a one-size-fits-all process, and different approaches may be helpful depending on the challenges someone is experiencing.
Some of the approaches available within our team include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helps people recognise and understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT can support individuals in developing practical strategies to manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encourages people to develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings, while taking meaningful action in line with their personal values. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable emotions, ACT focuses on building a rich and fulfilling life alongside them.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed approaches – incorporate skills that support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These techniques can be particularly helpful for people experiencing intense emotions or who wish to develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
Many of our therapists also integrate elements from other recognised counselling approaches where appropriate, creating a flexible and collaborative therapeutic experience that is tailored to each individual rather than following a single model alone.
A Safe and Professional Environment
All specialist therapies offered at Poole Therapies are delivered within a professional, ethical, and confidential setting.
Our focus is always on creating a safe environment where individuals can explore their experiences, develop understanding, and move towards improved emotional wellbeing.
Finding the Right Therapeutic Approach
Different people connect with different therapeutic styles. Some may prefer structured approaches such as EMDR, while others may benefit from creative or experiential methods.
At Poole Therapies, we aim to match clients with therapists whose skills and approaches best align with their needs.
If you are unsure which approach may be right for you, we are happy to help guide you towards a therapist who may be a good fit.
Interested in a counsellor with this specialty?
Click to find out more about each of our counsellors with EMDR specialism.
Click to find out more about each of our counsellors with EFT specialism.
Still unsure who might be the best fit for your needs? Contact us, and we’ll help match you with the right professional.
Don’t worry — sometimes the best match may be outside of Poole Therapies. In those cases, we’re happy to recommend trusted services that could be the ideal fit for you.