UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor & EMDR Therapist
Counselling in Norwich & Online
What is integrative counselling and therapy?
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 therapy 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
Focusing 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.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy
As a qualified EMDR therapist, I also integrate EMDR into my relational approach to psychotherapy. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that can be highly effective for trauma, anxiety, distressing memories, negative self-beliefs and other difficulties where experiences remain psychologically "stuck." Read more about EMDR here.
Flash therapy
Flash therapy (also known as the Flash Technique or Blink Technique) is a gentle, evidence-informed therapeutic approach designed to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories. Find out more about Flash in my FAQs.
The therapeutic relationship
At the heart of integrative counselling and therapy 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 therapist I may subtly and sensitively alter my approach according to what you are discussing or how you are feeling on any given day. EMDR may also be integrated when deemed clinically appropriate.
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 counselling and therapy are adaptable and recognise 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.
Sessions are offered within a thoughtful, contained, and well-supported therapeutic setting. If you are interested in exploring whether counselling, EMDR therapy and/or Flash may be helpful for your circumstances, please feel free to get in touch.
