How I Work?

I work as an Integrative, Humanistic practitioner.

This means I draw on different theoretical approaches and techniques depending on the person’s issues and needs.

My core approaches are:

Person-Centred Therapy (Carl Rogers)
Is a Humanistic approach, based on the application of three core conditions: Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard and Congruence. It is a non-directive, client lead approach, which works on the principle that we are all capable within ourselves to reach our full potential.

Psychodynamic Approach (Sigmund Freud)
This approach derives from psychoanalytical principles. It is based on the belief that most of our unresolved conflicts, difficulties in establishing satisfying relationships and unhelpful patterns of behaviour, stem from our early experiences and learning. The work focuses on gaining an understanding of your early years as a means of empowering you to make changes in your present life situation and as a result move forward.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Aaron Beck)
CBT is based on the belief that the emotions we experience and how we behave are determined by the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. If our perception of a situation is negative, this will result in negative emotions and negative behaviour. CBT is based on the notion that emotional problems arise from negative and unrealistic thinking.

The aim of CBT is to identify problematic thinking and unhelpful patterns of behaviour, to challenge these and replace them with more useful and realistic ways of thinking and behaving.

CBT is time limited and goal orientated. It invites client and therapist to work collaboratively to achieve the goals set out at the beginning of the therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is not about "positive thinking" it is about thinking realistically and logically in situations that are experienced as highly distressing.

Overall my main focus is on developing a 'good' therapeutic relationship with my clients. Since I believe it is essentially through the therapeutic relationship that change can ensue.

The therapeutic process would normally follow three phases:

  1. First we would explore and understand the problem
  2. Then look at what the person would like to change or manage differently
  3. Finally work together on strategies to bring about change