UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counselling & EMDR Therapy
Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling
What is integrative psychotherapeutic counselling?
Integrative psychotherapeutic counselling is a flexible approach to therapy that combines techniques and theories from multiple therapeutic modalities, rather than sticking rigidly to a single method.
As an integrative therapist, I take the view that there is no single approach that can be applied to every person across all situations. You deserve to be considered holistically, and counselling techniques should be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. The therapy is shaped around you, not the other way around. Central to this is the therapeutic relationship itself, which is considered the foundation upon which all effective therapy is built.
My Approach
My integrative approach includes elements of:
Humanistic counselling
Focussing on your innate capacity for growth, self-awareness, and self-actualisation, Humanistic counselling emphasises your potential and free will, empowering you while treating you with empathy, warmth, and unconditional respect.
Psychodynamic therapy
Helping you bring subconscious material into conscious awareness, so you can understand how deep-rooted feelings and past experiences impact you in the present.
Attachment theory
Exploring how early relationships with caregivers shape your emotional development and patterns of relating to others. Understanding how your attachment style can influence your emotional responses, and working towards developing a greater sense of security in your relationships.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Examining your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and helping you change unhelpful patterns using practical strategies.
Existential therapy
Exploring the fundamental questions of human existence, such as meaning, freedom, responsibility, and mortality. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, Existential therapy can help you examine how your beliefs and assumptions about life shape your experiences and choices.
The therapeutic relationship
At the heart of integrative psychotherapeutic counselling is our relationship. This safe, trusting bond we create together is not only the backdrop to the work, it is often the primary vehicle for change and healing.
How it works in practice
You may notice me taking a more person-centred approach at the beginning of our relationship, before bringing in more psychodynamic techniques once you have settled into our work together. As well as adapting to different clients and different stages of therapy, as an integrative counsellor I may subtly and sensitively alter my approach according to what you are discussing or how you are feeling on any given day.
Integrative therapy can be used in the treatment of almost all types of personal issues and for adults of all ages. It is considered effective for both short- and long-term work, covering issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and bereavement.
Integrative psychotherapeutic counselling is an adaptable form of therapy that recognises there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health, drawing on different therapeutic traditions, and the power of a genuine human connection to meet each person's unique needs.
I am also an EMDR Therapist in training. Read more about EMDR here.
Sessions are offered within a thoughtful, contained, and well-supported therapeutic setting. If you are interested in exploring whether Counselling and/or EMDR Therapy may be helpful for your circumstances, please feel free to get in touch.
