My Therapeutic Approach
I am trained to work integratively, psychodynamically, transpersonally and creatively. My work is client led and I use the approach that feels right for each individual client. Most therapy is talking but other approaches can be used. I am interactive and proactive with my clients.
My aim is to aid the individual to work through and understand their own processes and way of being and move towards a more fulfilled life.
Integrative therapy - Integrative therapy is a combined approach to psychotherapy that brings together different elements of specific therapies. It taks the view that there is no single approach that fits each individual client in any given situation. Each person needs to be considered as a whole and counselling techniques can be tailored to individual needs and personal circumstances.
Integrative counselling and psychotherapy maintains the idea that there are many ways in which human psychology can be explored and understood - no one theory holds the answer. All theories are considered to have value, even if their foundational principles contradict each other - hence the need to integrate them.
The integrative approach also refers to the infusion of a person's personality and needs - integrating the affective, behavioural, cognitive, and physiological systems within one person, as well as addressing social and spiritual aspects.
Person-centred therapy - Person-centred therapy - is a humanistic approach that deals with the ways in which individuals see themselves consciously rather than how a counsellor may interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas.
Created in the 1950s by American psychologist, Carl Rogers, the person-centred approach sees human beings as having an innate tendency to develop towards their full potential. However, this is sometimes blocked or distorted by our life experiences.
In this approach we work to understand your experiences and I feed back to you my feelings and validate yours allowing you to feel accepted and valued and better understand your own process.
Psychodynamic approach - This approach looks at the unconscious and past experiences of the individual and its effect on current behaviour. This will involve working with events from childhood relationships with significant others. I will learn of your dynamics in your current relationships through our own relationship which I will use to inform me of your processes outside of the counselling room. This is what we refer to as the transferential relationship.
Transpersonal approach - Transpersonal therapy focuses on the essential and higher self and encompasses all levels of human experience, including the spiritual, with a view to revealing the person behind the personality. This is achieved with the use of Jungian techniques.
Working creatively - Techniques may include drawing or working with guided imagery or sand tray play. It is not necessary for the client to be artistic to work in this way. It is particularly useful when working with clients who find it difficult to talk about their feelings.
Sand tray play can help you see and experience your hidden feelings which may be blocking your conscious awareness. You can gain insight and awareness in a new way which helps to piece together your past experiences with your current process and help guide you through a new way of relating to yourself and those around you.
"Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.” C. G. Jung
All approaches and techniques are only used where appropriate and with the full consent of the client.
Sessions are never tape recorded.
Zoom, Skype and Vsee video link sessions available.
All sessions of counselling and psychotherapy are provided in my clinic location in Farnham, with easy access from Farnham, Aldershot, Fleet, Farnborough, Guildford and surrounding areas on the Surrey/Hampshire border.
