What is Counselling & Psychotherapy?
It is often considered that Counselling and Psychotherapy are interchangeable therapies that overlap in a number of ways. One key difference is the length of time needed to see the benefits of the treatment. Counselling is usually a shorter treatment which helps clients deal with specific difficulties in the ‘here and now.’ However Psychotherapy is a term which may be used to describe a treatment for clients with problems that emanate from the past. It focuses on ‘longer term’ help and draws on deeper changes in self-awareness and patterns of relating.
Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy draws on elements of different perspectives and provides a unique therapy which can be adapted to suit the client’s needs. By working with you I use the insights and techniques of Humanistic Counselling, Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, this may give you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and work towards a new and happier sense of self. Below is a very brief description of the approaches I use in my practice, you may find these present in our therapy sessions together. These approaches build a strong foundation for our therapeutic relationship to grow in a safe and supporting environment.
Humanistic Counselling offers a non-judgemental relationship between the therapist and client; this enables the client to explore what they need and want in the ‘here and now,’ and how they can reach this goal. Gestalt Therapy in particular focuses on the development of the client’s holistic awareness of themselves, their circumstances and how they live in those circumstances. During this therapy various therapeutic tools and creative mediums maybe used.
Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on unconscious thought processes which manifest themselves in a client's behaviour. The approach seeks to increase a client's self-awareness and understanding of how the past has influenced present thoughts and behaviours, by exploring their unconscious patterns. Clients are encouraged to explore unresolved issues and conflicts, and to talk about important people and relationships in their life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) combines cognitive and behavioural therapies. The approach focuses on thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions, and teaches clients how each one can have an effect on the other. CBT is useful for dealing with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety and phobias.
In addition to this I also use the following approach when it is appropriate for the client's needs:
Mindfulness
"Mindfulness is a specific way of intentionally paying attention. One negative thought can lead to a chain reaction of negative thoughts. This approach encourages people to be aware of each thought, enabling the first negative thought to be ‘caught' so that is seen as just a ‘thought' and not a fact. This breaks the chain reaction of negative thoughts giving a mental ‘space' in which the person can re-centre themselves in the present." (BACP)
Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy draws on elements of different perspectives and provides a unique therapy which can be adapted to suit the client’s needs. By working with you I use the insights and techniques of Humanistic Counselling, Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, this may give you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and work towards a new and happier sense of self. Below is a very brief description of the approaches I use in my practice, you may find these present in our therapy sessions together. These approaches build a strong foundation for our therapeutic relationship to grow in a safe and supporting environment.
Humanistic Counselling offers a non-judgemental relationship between the therapist and client; this enables the client to explore what they need and want in the ‘here and now,’ and how they can reach this goal. Gestalt Therapy in particular focuses on the development of the client’s holistic awareness of themselves, their circumstances and how they live in those circumstances. During this therapy various therapeutic tools and creative mediums maybe used.
Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on unconscious thought processes which manifest themselves in a client's behaviour. The approach seeks to increase a client's self-awareness and understanding of how the past has influenced present thoughts and behaviours, by exploring their unconscious patterns. Clients are encouraged to explore unresolved issues and conflicts, and to talk about important people and relationships in their life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) combines cognitive and behavioural therapies. The approach focuses on thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions, and teaches clients how each one can have an effect on the other. CBT is useful for dealing with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety and phobias.
In addition to this I also use the following approach when it is appropriate for the client's needs:
Mindfulness
"Mindfulness is a specific way of intentionally paying attention. One negative thought can lead to a chain reaction of negative thoughts. This approach encourages people to be aware of each thought, enabling the first negative thought to be ‘caught' so that is seen as just a ‘thought' and not a fact. This breaks the chain reaction of negative thoughts giving a mental ‘space' in which the person can re-centre themselves in the present." (BACP)
