Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
Integrative counselling is a combined approach to psychotherapy that brings together different elements of specific therapies.
My own practice is primarily person-centered and encompasses elements of existential, psychodynamic and cognitive theory. As an Integrative therapists I take the view that there is no single approach that can treat every client in all situations. Rather, each person needs to be considered as a whole and counselling techniques must be specifically tailored to their individual needs and personal circumstances.
After our initial consultation and assuming that you wish to progress with therapy, we will draw up a 'therapy contract'. Don't worry - this is not legally binding in any way and you do not have to sign up to a certain number of sessions, it's just a plan outlining what you want to achieve through counselling and how we will work together to do that.
Usually we would meet for one session a week, at the same time each week. We would also set a date to review our contract - normally 4 - 6 weeks after starting therapy.
Therapy can last anything from one or two weeks up to several months or even years. Ultimately it is down to you to decide your needs. Many people will turn to therapy several times during the course of their lives, sometimes to do more work on recurrent issues or sometimes to deal with new events life throws our way. They may return to the same therapist or they may seek a different perspective.