An Integrative Approach to Change
My approach to counselling is collaborative and integrative - together we will draw on strategies and skills from evidence-based and strength-oriented cognitive and behavioural therapies that will best support your needs. Common to all these therapies are the goals of acceptance and growth, responsibility, and freedom from struggle.
We may use different methods at different stages of the therapeutic process or use them as a single combined form of therapy throughout. Below, you will find a very, very brief, tip-of-the-iceberg description of the range of modalities we may use.
As you read through each modality, you may notice some overlap. I see it as akin to composing music, where you are both the composer and musician, and infinite possibilities of harmonies await us.
Counselling is not the agent of change; it is merely a facilitator or accelerator of the self-change process which occurs naturally within each of us.
Facilitating Emotional Change
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
You will learn how to stay focused on the present moment and accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You will learn how to hold and move forward through difficult emotions so you can put your energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
We will promote change through exploring and releasing any emotions which are keeping you 'stuck'.
We will work to develop compassionate motivation and distress tolerance through the use of specific training and guided exercises.
Gestalt Experiential Techniques
In Gestalt therapy, the process of releasing emotions is often facilitated through experiential techniques and exercises that encourage individuals to fully engage with their feelings and experiences in the present moment. These experiential methods are valuable tools for exploring and resolving internal conflicts, gaining insight into emotions, and promoting personal growth.
Person-Centred Therapy
Acknowledging and releasing our emotions can contribute to increased strength and a deeper sense of inner balance. Person-Centred Counselling places a significant emphasis on active listening, which establishes a secure and accepting environment for you to explore your emotions and inner thoughts. Within this counselling approach, emotional experiences are not only accepted but also deeply understood. The central focus on empathy and understanding ensures that you receive the space and support needed to navigate your emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.
Facilitating Cognitive & Behavioural Change
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
We will work together to discover and reshape the negative thought patterns that might be holding you back. You will learn a range of empowering strategies for navigating any challenges you face.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
You will learn how to live mindfully, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate your emotions, and improve your relationships with others.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a very important element of my approach.
Mindfulness skills help you slow down and focus on using healthy coping skills when you are in the midst of emotional pain.
Mindfulness can also help you stay calm and avoid engaging in automatic negative thought patterns and impulsive behaviour.
Narrative Therapy
The techniques of narrative therapy teach you how to externalise whatever difficulties you are facing. Externalising puts a critical distance between you and the predicament and problem facing you. You will come to realise that these issues do not define you and you will learn how to reshape the stories you tell yourself and live according to your values and aspirations.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy focuses on identifying and transforming deeply ingrained patterns or schemas that influence how you perceive and interact with yourself, others, and the world.
You will learn to recognise which negative core beliefs and problematic coping styles are creating harm. You will understand the origins of these beliefs and learn how to make lasting changes.
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
We will focus on your strengths, build your resources and acknowledge your resilience. Solution Focused Therapy looks to the future rather than dwelling on past problems or causes. You will be encouraged to envision a preferred future and take steps towards achieving it.
Please reach out if you would like to know if my approach will suit your needs.
If I am unable to help you, I will do my best to recommend someone who may.
