My Approach

My Approach is Integrative

Integrative counselling means that I am trained in more than one approach. This allows me to be flexible with what concepts I work with, depending on what my client’s need are. With the knowledge that no two people are the same, I can use the different approaches to work with variety, tailoring them to my client’s needs. Below is a bit of information about the approaches I am trained in.

Person Centred Approach

The Person Centred approach is anchored in the philosophy that a person is capable of finding their own way, and finding the answers for themselves. The Person Centred approach is a non-directive approach, that focuses on the belief that it is the client who is capable of knowing what is best for them and their circumstance. The therapy focuses more on a client’s understanding of self through the therapeutic relationship. It is also known as the Humanistic approach and relates to the exploration of the person as a whole. The concepts I work with from this approach are: Conditions of Worth, Locus of Evaluation and Self Concept.

Psychodynamic

The philosophy of the Psychodynamic approach is that our unconscious harbours feelings and memories that effect our behaviour in the present day. By making the unconscious conscious, we gain more understanding about ourselves, leading to more control over the choices we make. The Psychodynamic approach works on the belief that events in our early childhood influence who we are as adults and shape our personality. The concepts I use from this approach are: Structure of personality, Psychosocial Stages of Development & Transference. I also work with Attachment theory, although born from psychoanalytic ideas and studies, Attachment is a theory in itself.

The Key principles of CBT lay in the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT is goal orientated, with clients working within frameworks known as formulations. These are to help a client become more aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and see the link between them. Psychoeducation plays a part in CBT, because at times, the therapist may be in teaching mode. The concept I use from CBT is Levels of Cognition.

My own philosophical approach to counselling is that I believe human beings need connection and the biggest connection is with our selves.  I believe that with courage and commitment, change is possible for anyone. Most of our issues or distresses come from the false and negative beliefs we have of ourselves. These beliefs are mostly carried around unconsciously and these beliefs must be bought into conscious awareness, so that once a person has this awareness, they have choice. Choice is the path to change and therapy is a space for you to become aware of the power of your autonomy.

I am a person who believes that the mind and body are not separate. I believe that through the practice of listening to our body we can also process emotions and clear stagnant energy, this can be done through meditation and breath work, which helps regulate the nervous system and through that, calm the mind. As a counsellor I do not believe in treating people from a place of labels or illness. External influence can lead us to lose trust in our ability to function and this can lead to feelings that we are ‘broken’ or ‘sick’. I believe it is my job to encourage clients to explore their inner world, past and present, in order to unpick the knots that keep them bound in suffering and move forward to a healthier way of being. I chose an integrative approach in my training, because I feel it fits well with my philosophy.

2019- Understanding Personality Disorder

2019- Initial Consultation and Assessing Suitability

2019- Solution Focused Brief Therapy

2020- Setting Up In Private Practice

2020- Safeguarding Adults

2020- Prevent Covid- 19

2020- Conflict Resolution

2020- Confidentiality

2020- Information Governance Awareness

2020- Completing Initial Assessments

2021- Mental Health and the Body

2023- EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Diploma

2023- Trauma & The Body- Dissociation & Somatisation