Therapist:

Kathryn Counsell

An integrative counselling approach combines different approaches- in this case, Person- Centred, CBT and Psychodynamic. Person-Centred counselling is based around the person and their motivations and agenda, not the counsellor’s. This approach emphasizes the relationship between counsellor and client and is very much a two way process focused on honesty, trust and working at a deep emotional level. A psychodynamic approach explores the person’s past and patterns of way of being that are repeated throughout the persons life. Themes and patterns are explored to uncover root causes and how they affect the here and now of a situation. Sometimes, a persons diffculties are best suited to a CBT approach which deals with the present and works upon changing thoughts and behaviours. This is a more structured approach which will involve the use of worksheets and work in-between session.

These approaches are tailored to fit the person, their difficulties and their personality. Some people find exploring their past the best route to make sense of their problems or focusing on the feelings of a situation, but others might prefer working in the present. The approach used is dependent on the person’s preferences and what works best for them. However, underpining this approach is the generation of a non-judgemental, safe environment in which a person is able to explore their life and their difficulties. Because of its flexibility, integrative counselling is appropiate for a wide range of difficulties including relationship breakdown, bereavement, anxiety, depression and stress, low self-confidence and general apathy to name but a few.