WHAT IS
INTEGRATIVE
COUNSELLING
Integrative Counselling combines several theories and modalities of therapy.
Person-Centred Therapy
Creating a Supportive Environment
Emphasises the importance of a supportive and non-judgemental environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings. This approach is grounded in the belief that you are an expert on your experiences and that you have an innate capacity for self-healing and personal growth.
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Empathy: I strive to understand and share your feelings, providing a compassionate and empathetic presence.
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Unconditional Positive Regard: I accept you for who you are without judgement, fostering a sense of trust and safety.
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Congruence: I maintain genuineness in our interactions, ensuring that my responses are authentic and transparent.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Uncovering Unconscious Processes
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Focuses on uncovering unconscious processes and understanding how past experiences shape your current behaviour and emotional patterns. This approach seeks to bring unresolved conflicts and repressed emotions to the surface, facilitating greater self-awareness and insight.
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Exploration of Past Experiences: Together, we explore significant past events and relationships to understand their influence on your present behaviour and emotions.
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Unconscious Processes: We work to identify and interpret unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be affecting your wellbeing.
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Defence Mechanisms: I assist you in recognising and understanding your defence mechanisms, helping you develop healthier ways of coping.
Cognitive Therapy
Changing Distorted Thinking Patterns
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Identifying and changing distorted thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviour. This approach emphasises the role of cognition in shaping your emotions and behaviours and seeks to replace negative thought patterns with more positive and realistic ones.
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Cognitive Restructuring: We work together to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, helping you develop more balanced and constructive ways of thinking.
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Behavioural Techniques: I incorporate techniques such as exposure therapy, behavioural experiments, and skills training to address specific issues and promote positive behavioural change.
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Mindfulness: I often integrate mindfulness practices to help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, fostering greater emotional regulation and resilience.
Integrating the Approaches
Creating a Tailored Approach
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By integrating these three modalities, I can tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and goals. For instance, if you are struggling with self-esteem issues, you might benefit from the unconditional positive regard of Person-centred therapy, the insight into past experiences offered by Psychodynamic therapy, and the Cognitive restructuring techniques of cognitive therapy.
Flexibility and Adaptability
This integrative approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the therapeutic process is dynamic and responsive to your evolving needs. By combining these methods, I can address a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship difficulties and personal growth.
Collaborative Relationship
At the heart of my practice is a collaborative relationship with you. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and I work closely with you to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain new insights, and develop effective strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.
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My integrative counselling approach combines the empathetic and supportive environment of Person-centred therapy, the deep exploration of unconscious processes in Psychodynamic therapy, and the practical, solution-focused techniques of Cognitive therapy. This blend allows me to offer a holistic and individualised therapeutic experience that fosters personal growth, emotional healing, and lasting positive change.