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Counselling Approach Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy An Integrative approach describes a Counsellors use of more than one theory. I believe that each individiual is unique, you possess your own way of being, therefore no one plaster will heal your every wound. Basing my beliefs in the Person Centred tradition that we are all essentially trustworthy, social and creative beings I will work alongside you rather than lead you. Believing you are the expert on yourself and that given the right environment you will uncover your own inner untapped reources for self-understanding and self-acceptance. Threaded throughout my practice is the firm belief that the relationship between us is central to the work we do. To help guide you through I call upon theories such as Person-Centred: coming from a non-judgmental, non-directive approach. The basic principle of this approach is that the counsellor or therapist does not see themselves as the ‘expert’ on the client. Working with an open-minded, accepting the client as an individual, not analysing or categorising but attempting to fully understand the client’s unique experience, thus enabling the client to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This approach believes that it is important for the client to experience a therapeutic environment in which a client feels safe. This is achieved in the relationship between client and counsellor, when the counsellor is deeply understanding (empathic), accepting (having unconditional positive regard) and genuine (congruent) in that relationship with the client. The person–centred counsellor facilitates the exploration of the client’s feelings around their issues. This offers an opportunity for the client to increase self-awareness and gain insights or make sense of their world. Person-centred counsellors believe that it is through this process of learning that an individual can achieve “actualisation”, that is achieve their own potential and find the answers that are right for them. Gestalt: means "whole" or "complete". Sometimes when we reject parts of ourself we tend to feel incomplete, dissatisfied and blocked. The focus will be on your 'here and now' experience such as current dreams, feelings, senses and way of relating to others, including me. The past is explored in so far as it is relevant to the present. Psychodynamic: sometimes it is difficult to recognise or understand your actions and responses to the here and now. Have you ever thought to yourself "why did I behave like that?". Psychodynamic theory believes that your understanding of the present can be coloured by your past experiences. My aim is to provide you with a secure and supportive relationship which enables you to explore and seek an understanding of your conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings, working towards integrating past and present, enabling you to make more informed choices in life. Creative Therapy: sometimes when our inner worlds become blocked we are unable to verbalise early unrecognised feelings. This is where the creative therapies have a force and power of their own. I predominantly use Sand Tray work when helping to unblock deeply embedded feelings, as well as art, clay, visualisations, dream work and many other materials. |
