Preethi Jain

Acceptance and commitment therapy helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them. The focus is on what matters to you, and on taking steps in that direction even when things feel hard. It is used for stress, anxiety, low mood and long-term pain, among other things.

Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions keep each other going. Together you notice the patterns that hold a problem in place and try out new ways of thinking and acting, often with small practical tasks between sessions. It is widely used for anxiety, low mood, stress and sleep problems.

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative way of talking about change. It helps you explore your own reasons for and against a change, so the motivation comes from you rather than from pressure. It is often used for habits such as drinking, smoking or eating, and for health-related changes.

Mindfulness-based therapy uses practices that train attention on the present moment, with openness rather than judgement. Noticing thoughts and feelings without being carried away by them can reduce stress and help break cycles of worry or low mood. Programmes such as MBSR and MBCT are well-known examples.

Compassion-focused therapy was developed for people who are very hard on themselves or struggle with shame and self-criticism. It helps you build a kinder, more supportive inner voice, with exercises for both mind and body. The aim is to feel steadier inside yourself and better able to face difficulties.