Integrative Therapy
In therapy terms, no one method works for each individual. My practice blends various therapeutic models to work with the whole person. The therapeutic relationship has often been shown to be more important than the theories or modalities used.
However, those new to therapy or needing a change in direction may resonate with the below approach.
Sessions start with setting the therapeutic container and building rapport between us. Rogers’ core conditions come in here as a base with empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. This means I am there to see things from your perspective, for you to feel I genuinely care and there is no judgement or expectation in what we explore.
From this safe place psychodynamic enquiry begins. This involves recalling early life experiences to see how they may have impacted who you are today. We uncover unconscious processes, defence mechanisms, unresolved trauma and often use our relationship as practice for growth through acknowledging (counter)transference.
Out of the traditional Freudian foundation comes further concepts which may seem familiar such as Klein’s good breast/bad breast, Winnicott’s good enough parenting, Jungian archetypes, anima/animus, dreams, the shadow and the collective unconscious as well as Bowlby’s attachment theory – with thanks to Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation procedure.
Attachment styles can be described as Secure, Avoidant, Ambivalent or Disorganised. Biological underpinnings of attachment contain expectations and beliefs about the behaviour of other people and the self, the lovability, worthiness and acceptability of the self, the emotional availability and interest of others and their ability to provide protection.
What does this all mean, though? Not to worry, this is where I come in. As the therapist I will hold these theories and their application in mind. Where you present some material that relates to a particular theory, I may use some psychoeducation to build awareness, acceptance and action going forward. Sometimes, looking back can repetitive or unhelpful.
Transactional Analysis (TA) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can release us from ruminating, to sitting with what is current. TA analyses the ego states of Parent, Adult and Child in line with communication styles. Rewriting injunctions and scripts we enact everyday can help us identify positive or negative strokes we need to feel seen and valued.
CBT provides structure around how thoughts, feelings and behaviours can lead from one to another negatively. In this more directive approach, we look at real life examples, using various tools and techniques to practice scenarios in the session as well as outside of the room so that negative processes are disrupted and a more joyful experience is revealed.
Gestalt therapy embodies the here and now, builds awareness of a person’s individual wholeness related to their connection to the Field which is all around us, and encourages us to remove blame with personal responsibility. Effective tools I use are empty chair work, exaggeration, staying with the feeling and using ‘I’ statements.
Book a discovery call now or read more about these approaches in action through my Journal.