what is integrative counselling?
Think of it as a ‘pick ‘n’ mix’. My skill as an integrative practitioner is in responding to your individual needs and preferences, tailoring our work from a range of approaches.
Quite simply, rather than expecting the client to adapt to fit the therapy, I adapt the therapy to fit the client. I have trained in a number of theoretical approaches to enable me to work this way, as I really believe we should all be respected and valued as individuals.
You, your life events and how you experience their impact, are entirely unique and so should your therapy be.
Whatever you bring to counselling is the starting point for our work. I will meet you wherever you are on your journey and, together, we can travel at your pace, creating a vehicle for exploration, hope, empowerment and change.
As you travel your therapeutic journey your needs may evolve. You may wish to change direction, pace or focus.
Working integratively gives us the freedom to adapt and respond to your precise needs, at any given time.
No single, rigid approach can address the emotional, social, physical and psychological needs of each individual.
In integrative counselling we weave together a therapy that acknowledges, respects and responds to your life experiences.
some of the themes i work with
Anxiety
Low mood
Domestic abuse
Relational issues
Bereavement
Depression
Confidence issues
Chronic illness
Family conflict
Loss
Stress
Low self-esteem
Trauma
Grief
Difficult childhood experiences
these are some of the theories and approaches we may use
SYSTEMIC THERAPY
No-one is an island. Exploring the impact of your interactions and relationships with those around you, both past and present
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)
Bringing awareness to problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Working together to challenge and update these negative patterns and habits
ATTACHMENT THEORY
Considering the quality of your earliest childhood bonds and how these shape and influence your relationships with others in adulthood
NARRATIVE THERAPY
Looking at the stories of your life through your eyes, as the expert. Crafting new narratives that enable you to move beyond your past, negative or limiting experiences
SOLUTION-FOCUSED THERAPY
Focusing on present and future, rather than past. Emphasis on finding solutions: an active and dynamic therapy suited to short-term and goal-orientated work
a few of the many benefits of online counselling
CONVENIENCE
Online counselling can save you time, expense and hassle. No travelling to and from appointments, no parking, no negotiating public transport, no braving the elements
COMFORT
Being in your own, familiar surroundings can feel safe and comforting. You can choose a quiet, comfy spot, snuggle up with a blanket, stroke your pet etc. You’re welcome to bring a warm drink or water into your session too
ACCESSIBILITY
For all kinds of reasons, people may have difficulty accessing counselling away from their home. Examples include ill-health, restricted mobility, social anxiety or living in a rural area, without transportation. Online counselling removes many of these barriers
GEOGRAPHY IS NO BARRIER
You are not restricted to a counsellor within travelling distance of your location. This gives you real freedom of choice. We can work together, wherever you are in the UK
FOR THE 'NOT SO GOOD' DAYS
If you are feeling low or anxious it can be difficult to gather the motivation to get ready and face the world outside. Logging onto an online session might feel much more manageable, meaning you still get the support you need
THE DISINHIBITION EFFECT
You may find that working online, rather than face-to-face, allows you to open up more easily about difficult material. The fancy term for this is ‘the disinhibition effect’. It is important that you work with a therapist who is trained to recognise this and help you work at a safe pace