There are various ways that therapists describe what we do. And, actually, according to most research, most approaches to therapy have the same effectiveness. What makes a difference is a therapist’s ability to relate to you, understand you, and work collaboratively with you. For me, this will always be my number one priority. Along with that, here’s some more information about how I work as a therapist.
What is an Integrative Approach?
An integrative approach combines different therapeutic techniques to create therapy that’s tailored to you. Instead of sticking to one single method, I use a mix of approaches that can address your unique needs. This can make the therapy more responsive and relevant to your personal experience.
Pluralistic Counselling
Something that goes hand in hand with an integrative approach is known as being “pluralistic”. This can go hand in hand with an integrative approach, and it means that you, as a client, get a say in what therapeutic methods we use together.
This makes it more of a collaborative approach, rather than one where the method of therapy is completely decided by the therapist. We work together with you to find the best techniques and strategies for your needs. This can change over time, and it gives the therapy the best chance of being focused on what’s important for you. In fact, research has shown that collaboration with a client in this way is a strong predictor of successful therapy!
The Foundation: Person-Centred Therapy
At the core of my integrative approach is person-centred therapy. Developed by Carl Rogers, this method focuses on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Here, you are seen as the expert on your own life, and the therapist focuses on relating to what’s happening for you, without judgement. This means that you get to make the learning, insights, and breakthroughs for yourself, which is one of the best feelings in therapy! The therapist is your companion and guide during that process.
Adding Other Techniques
To enhance this foundation of a person-centred approach, I then carefully incorporate elements from other therapies. I find the following are particularly helpful for our clients.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a type of talking therapy that helps you manage your problems by changing the way you think, feel, and behave. CBT helps you bring awareness to patterns of thinking and behaviour and make positive changes to these patterns, impacting every aspect of your life in beneficial ways.
- Mindfulness:
Mindfulness can help you to be aware and present with yourself and the world. It can help you to have a positive relationship with yourself, your mind, and your emotions. It can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and help you feel calm and happy.
- Gestalt Therapy:
Gestalt therapy focuses on understanding the present moment and becoming aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. The therapy often involves creative and experiential techniques to help clients gain insight and resolve issues by understanding the context of their lives and experiences.
- Psychodynamic Therapy:
This approach explores how unconscious thought and past experiences influence your current behaviour. By bringing these elements into your conscious awareness, it can be possible to gain deeper insights and resolve long-standing issues.
The Benefits of an Integrative Approach
There are several benefits to an integrative approach. Firstly, it means the therapy can be personalised to you. Secondly, it allows us flexibility, so we can adapt to your changing needs throughout therapy. And thirdly, it means that you get the most comprehensive support possible, with the different methods offering different avenues to positive change for you.
I’m fascinated by how therapy works and the ways it can be most helpful. I’m always researching and studying, and I make sure to challenge my own ideas and assumptions! I think that my approach to therapy works well, and what I love most about it is that it allows the therapy to be adapted to your needs, as well as giving you an ongoing say in how the therapy happens.
If you’d like to schedule a free consultation, or if you’d just like to chat more about any of these topics, simply drop me a line using the contact form below.
