My Approach

My Approach is Integrative

Integrative counselling means that I am trained in more than one approach. This allows me to be flexible with what concepts I work with, depending on what my client’s need are. With the knowledge that no two people are the same, I can use the different approaches to work with variety, tailoring them to my client’s needs. Below is a bit of information about the approaches I am trained in.

Person Centred Approach

The Person Centred approach is anchored in the philosophy that a person is capable of finding their own way, and finding the answers for themselves. The Person Centred approach is a non-directive approach, that focuses on the belief that it is the client who is capable of knowing what is best for them and their circumstance. The therapy focuses more on a client’s understanding of self through the therapeutic relationship. It is also known as the Humanistic approach and relates to the exploration of the person as a whole. The concepts I work with from this approach are: Conditions of Worth, Locus of Evaluation and Self Concept.

Psychodynamic

The philosophy of the Psychodynamic approach is that our unconscious harbours feelings and memories that effect our behaviour in the present day. By making the unconscious conscious, we gain more understanding about ourselves, leading to more control over the choices we make. The Psychodynamic approach works on the belief that events in our early childhood influence who we are as adults and shape our personality. The concepts I use from this approach are: Structure of personality, Psychosocial Stages of Development & Transference. I also work with Attachment theory, although born from psychoanalytic ideas and studies, Attachment is a theory in itself.

The Key principles of CBT lay in the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT is goal orientated, with clients working within frameworks known as formulations. These are to help a client become more aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and see the link between them. Psychoeducation plays a part in CBT, because at times, the therapist may be in teaching mode. The concept I use from CBT is Levels of Cognition.

My philosophical approach to counselling is rooted in the belief that human beings need connection, and that the most important connection is the one we have with ourselves. I believe that with courage, commitment, and self-awareness, meaningful change is possible for everyone.

Many of the difficulties we experience can stem from the limiting beliefs we hold about ourselves. Often, these beliefs exist outside of our conscious awareness and can quietly shape the way we think, feel, and relate to the world. I believe that when these patterns are brought into awareness, we create the possibility for choice, and choice is the pathway to change. Therapy can offer a space for you to reconnect with your autonomy, develop deeper self-understanding, and begin making choices that feel more aligned with who you truly are.

I also believe that the mind and body are deeply connected and cannot be separated. Alongside talking therapy, I value the importance of listening to the body as part of the healing process. Practices such as meditation and breathwork can support emotional processing, help regulate the nervous system, and create a greater sense of calm and balance.

As a counsellor, I do not work from a place of labels. Life experiences, relationships, and external influences can sometimes disconnect us from our own inner trust, leaving us feeling “broken”. My role as a therapist is to support clients as they explore their inner world, both past and present, so they can begin to untangle the patterns that keep them stuck and move towards a healthier, more authentic way of being.

I chose an integrative approach in my training because it closely reflects my philosophy and allows me to work flexibly, recognising that every person’s experience and needs are unique.

2019- Understanding Personality Disorder

2019- Initial Consultation and Assessing Suitability

2019- Solution Focused Brief Therapy

2020- Setting Up In Private Practice

2020- Safeguarding Adults

2020- Prevent Covid- 19

2020- Conflict Resolution

2020- Confidentiality

2020- Information Governance Awareness

2020- Completing Initial Assessments

2021- Mental Health and the Body

2023- EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Diploma

2023- Trauma & The Body- Dissociation & Somatisation

2025- Level 3 Safeguarding Adults & Children