What is the Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders?

The Unified Protocol (UP) is an emotion-focused treatment that targets core psychological processes underlying multiple disorders. Research highlights three common processes underlying nearly all mental health disorders/difficulties. 1) A tendency towards experiencing negative emotions. 2) Judging these emotions as bad. 3) Through various means, trying to avoid these ‘bad’ emotions. UP targets these common processes through the development of functional skills and strategies. It is used to treat a wide range of psychological difficulties within a single protocol and is a high-quality, evidence-based psychological treatment accessible to all. 

The treatment consists of five “core” modules or components that target the above characteristics. These 5 modules (see below) take place over a 6-20 week time-scale dependent upon the individual and their rate of progress.

1) Understanding Emotions and Mindful Emotion Awareness

2) Cognitive Flexibility

3) Countering Emotional Behaviours and Emotional Avoidance

4) Understanding and Confronting Physical Sensations

5) Emotion Exposures

For more information visit the Unified Protocol Institute’s website: https://unifiedprotocol.com/

What are Third Wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapies?

The term third wave cognitive behavioural therapies describes a group of modern psychotherapies that have expanded upon traditional CBT. These therapies focus on the development of helpful psychological processes associated with wellbeing, good health and functionality e.g., learning to regulate emotions, rather than the elimination of symptoms. Although symptom reduction is typically a side effect of improved psychological processes.

Concepts such as self-awareness (meta-cognition), acceptance, self-realisation/discovery, goals, mindfulness and values are utilised in third wave cognitive behavioural therapies. At Wexen these techniques are integrated into treatment where and if appropriate. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and MetaCognitive Therapy are all examples of third wave cognitive behavioural therapies.

What are Existential Techniques?

Underlying treatment at Wexen is the belief that individuals are able to create meaning and purpose in their own lives, we are co-creators of our own reality. With this comes responsibility. Existential techniques draw out a persons wants in life, this might look like working with an individual to elucidate their values, dreams and aspirations. It also involves illuminating a persons world-view, what is their theory of life/reality and how does this relate to how they want to act in the world and who they want to be.

How is this helpful? By developing self-knowledge and meaning, life-purpose can become clear, working towards your purpose creates feelings of fulfilment, with purpose and fulfilment comes a better ability to cope with life which is inevitably going to entail suffering.

What should I expect from psychotherapy?

If you haven’t experienced psychotherapy before it can feel daunting. Psychotherapy at Wexen offers a safe and objective environment where you can freely and comfortably work on becoming the person you want to be. Empathy, compassion, unconditional positive regard and a positive therapeutic relationship are central to practice. Psychotherapy at Wexen is action-based and collaborative, this means that the success of therapy is also contingent on the investment and collaboration of the client. Skills will be taught throughout the therapeutic process and will need to be practiced away from therapy for real-life change to occur. As a therapist I am a collaborator and not an authority, I am the expert in specific psychological treatments, but you are always the expert on your own experience. Treatment is about combining the expertise of both parties.

What happens in the first session?

The first session will focus on gaining a thorough understanding of the issues a client brings to treatment. This will involve looking at current levels of functioning, quality of life, emotional dysregulation, and levels of anxiety, depressive and avoidant symptomology. The treatment programme and potential interventions will be introduced. Establishing your goals for treatment and possible steps to success will be reflected upon. Alongside this, motivation for change and fostering the clients belief to successfully achieve change will start in the first session and will be an ongoing aspect of treatment.

The first session will be about developing rapport and the therapeutic relationship, the client should feel comfortable to interview the psychotherapist about the psychotherapeutic process. This should feel like a collaborative effort.

How do I know whether I need treatment for my emotional dysregulation?

If you feel like your emotions get in the way of you moving forward with your life, you are probably experiencing emotional dysregulation. There are often three underlying features associated with dysregulation.

1) Frequent and strong emotions

People who struggle with emotions tend to feel them frequently and strongly and find them overwhelming and inhibiting. Strong emotions in isolation do not constitute emotional dysregulation (strong emotions when harnessed are a strength).

2)Negative reactions to emotions

Strong and frequent emotions are viewed negatively.

3)Avoidance of emotions

People with emotional dysregulation view their emotions as bad and will consequently try to avoid them. The problem with this is that it doesn’t work very well, it may work in the short term, but overtime leads to more frequent and intense emotions. Life can become very limited if a person is avoidant of anything that might elicit a strong emotional reaction.

If you are experiencing these three emotional characteristics you are likely experiencing emotional dysregulation. If you are unsure, book a free consultation call and this can be discussed in more detail.

How much does therapy cost?

In Hong Kong psychotherapy ranges between HK1450 and HK1850, at Wexen each 50 minute session is HK1500.

In Australia psychotherapy ranges between A160-A200, at Wexen each 50 minute session is A160.

Prices will be aligned with the country in which you reside.

Wexen believes in accessible psychotherapy for all and offers a sliding scale for those who qualify. Contact for further information.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals able to prescribe medication. Wexen can refer you to a psychiatrist if this is needed.

How many sessions are recommended?

This will be dependent upon the individual and their goals. Anywhere between 6-20 sessions, 6 sessions is the minimum to learn the full scope of emotional regulation processes and techniques. 20 sessions is the the maximum; clients need to come out of therapy to independently practice the skills they have learnt.

*Some clients do not need to learn all of the processes to see life-changing improvements and may feel that they can lead a more regulated life after only two-three sessions.

How quickly will I start to see changes?

Clients may experience some relief as quickly as the first time they implement a new a strategy/technique. For others emotional dysregulation may be more deeply engrained. Especially for those who have experienced chronic abuse and/or childhood trauma; their mind, brain and body have developed to react quickly in order to keep safe and protected from harm. These cases may take longer, but, recovery is possible for anyone and everyone. The mind, brain and body are plastic and malleable.

Why online psychotherapy?

Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person psychotherapy. Additionally, online psychotherapy has been shown to alleviate personal-barriers individuals may face when attending in person therapy such as time-constraints and child-care as well reducing costs for both therapist and client.

How is my privacy protected?

Privacy is paramount to successful psychotherapy and this obligation is taken very seriously at Wexen. All communications and information transmitted at Wexen adhere to strict professional standards and are kept private and confidential. Written consent is required by you before Wexen can share any of your personal information. In accordance with organisational, legal and ethical codes only where you are a danger to yourself and/or others can this requirement be waived.

What is your cancellation policy?

Clients are asked to give 24-hours notice for cancellation; sessions canceled with less than 24-hours notice will be charged a penalty fee amounting to 50% of the original fee . If a client is a ‘no-show’ they will be billed 100% of the original fee. Psychotherapists spend a lot of time outside of the session, preparing, conceptualising and treatment planning, please consider this.