My Approach
I am an Integrative therapist who incorporates the therapeutic modalities of person-centred, psychodynamic, and gestalt approaches. Integrating these modalities allows the use of a range of techniques and principles to meet the unique needs of each client. For example, I may prioritise building a strong therapeutic alliance and providing a safe space (person-centred), while also exploring unconscious patterns and unresolved issues (psychodynamic) and facilitating experiential awareness and personal integration (gestalt). My approach is trauma-informed, which means that I seek to understand the impact of trauma on an individual's life and aim to communicate safety in a physical, psychological, and emotional way. Having the environment to process trauma without re-traumatising can help to reconstruct and heal the fractured pieces of your psychological well-being. The goal is to empower you to re-establish control and peace in your life. By integrating these modalities, we can address the complexity of each experience and promote healing and transformation.
Person-centred
Person-centred therapy, emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship and creating a non-judgmental and empathetic environment. The focus is to provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence to foster the client's self-exploration, self-acceptance, and personal growth. This approach emphasises the client's autonomy and ability to direct their own therapeutic process.
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Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy draws from Freudian psychoanalytic theory and explores how unconscious processes and early life experiences influence current thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It involves uncovering and working through unresolved conflicts, unresolved emotions, and defence mechanisms. This type of therapy can help clients to gain an insight into their unconscious patterns and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
I value using exercises from the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach that focuses on understanding and working with the various internal parts or "subpersonalities" that exist within us. IFS is based on the premise that every person has multiple inner parts, each with its own beliefs, emotions, and motivations. Clients work towards unburdening the wounded and extreme parts by addressing the underlying trauma or pain. This unburdening process involves understanding the origins and needs of each part and integrating them into a more harmonious and balanced system.
Gestalt
Gestalt therapy focuses on the present moment experience and emphasises awareness, personal responsibility, and integration of various aspects of the self. It encourages clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, as well as their relationships and interactions with others. I particularly favour using techniques such as empty-chair dialogues and dream work to facilitate self-awareness and personal growth.
Areas of Expertise
I have experience of many mental health illnesses and trauma-related issues, including: alcohol and drug abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse and violence, diagnoses, disordered eating, bereavement, depression, anxiety, self-harming, suicidality, relationship issues, attachment and childhood trauma. Given the prevalence of trauma in these areas, I have a deep understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals' mental health and well-being and create a safe and supportive environment to explore and heal from their traumatic experiences.
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I am a UK-based counsellor, and so we will be working together under UK laws and practice. I am also a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), therefore abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice, including meeting their requirements for regular, professional supervision.
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