What is Integrative Psychotherapy?

My approach is integrative, which means that I draw on different models of therapy to provide a tailored treatment suited to a person's individual needs and personal style.  The three major strands are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psycho-analytic/psychodynamic therapy and humanistic approaches, such as client-centred therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment which I use to establish a shared understanding of how your thoughts, behaviour and emotions interact.  Using this formulation, you can increase your awareness of these patterns and be empowered to develop more positive thinking styles and greater resilience. 

I use CBT in a relational way, drawing on other theories to increase our collaborative understanding of your difficulties and also, importantly, your existing strengths.  Positive psychology is an approach based on extensive research into how happy, healthy and satisfied  people live and I believe many of us can benefit from putting these effective strategies - many of which are simple and make common sense - into practise.

Using an integrative approach enables me to blend psychodynamic thinking into the therapy. This provides greater insight into the role of previous experiences which can help clarify why it is that certain patterns recur in your life, for instance.  It can also shed light on some of the dynamics that occur within therapy itself and equip us with the awareness that allows for healthier, less 'reactive' interactions. 

Some people come to therapy seeking a space in which they can safely explore situations and express their feelings in a setting where they can feel listened to with empathy and acceptance.  For these clients I offer a person-centred approach which respects the premise that each person has within themselves the capacity to grow and find answers that honour their uniqueness.  

When it becomes clear that the difficulties a person has been dealing with are connected with unresolved past experiences, I offer EMDR ** (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a recognised therapy for alleviating the negative emotions associated with distressing memories and building more positive beliefs for the present and the future.

Find out more about EMDR

Who is  it for?

I offer therapy to adults, adolescents and couples.

Types of issues effective for?

• anxiety
• bereavement
• depression
• domestic violence
• eating disorders
• obsessions and compulsions
• personality issues
• relationship difficulties
• sexual abuse
• and trauma