G r o w i n g   W e l l

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy

There are literally hundreds of different types of therapy, too many (and too boring) to discuss here!  However, research shows that all these different approaches are quite similar in their effectiveness, and that the most important factors that determine the outcomes of therapy are:

• the quality of relationship between the client and the counsellor, and

• the client him/herself and what s/he brings to the counselling/therapy*.

More specifically, research suggests that people have natural resources to overcome problems and difficult times, even without outside help, but that talking therapies often enable people to make positive changes faster and more effectively.  They can also help when a person feels 'stuck' with a particular issue.

My integrative approach means that I have trained in more than one therapeutic orientation and 'integrate' these into my own particular way of working.  I do this to offer clients a choice of how to deal with whatever issues they bring - different things work for different people.  Often the process is led by the client and develops organically, but sometimes I will suggest an approach and then talk through with the client whether they might find this helpful.

In case you are interested in theoretical orientations, the way I work is primarily person-centred, existential and solution-focused.  When it seems a good fit for the problem or person, I might also use elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), or acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT).

I am also qualified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This is a structured therapy particular helpful for getting over traumatic experiences in one's past.  It is a very powerful method I am using more and more, and which can bring about a lot of positive change in a short time.

Most recently, I have completed the Advanced Certificate in Person Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression.

"Counselling for Depression", sometimes shortened to CfD, is a manualised form of psychological therapy as recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 20094) for the treatment of depression. [...]

This modality targets the emotional problems underlying depression along with the intrapersonal processes, such as low self-esteem and excessive self-criticism, which often maintain depressed mood. The therapy aims to help patients contact underlying feelings, make sense of them and reflect on the new meanings which emerge. This, in turn, provides a basis for psychological and behavioural change.

(Source: Course information from the website of the University of Central Lancashire, where I took the course)

*Source: Cooper (2008) Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy