Frequently Asked Questions
What is Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling?
When looking for a counsellor that suits your individual needs, you will discover that there are many different types of counselling available. Mainstream approaches range from Humanistic to Person Centred, Cognitive to Behavioural/CBT and Psychoanalytical to Gestalt therapies.
Being a qualified Integrative Counsellor allows me to utilise a vast array of skills and techniques from all of these mainstream therapies, as and when I feel they are right for my client.
Whilst this highlights my own ability to utilise techniques found within CBT, I would highlight my own bias towards the Psychonalytical and humanistic approaches. This means I provide therapy that is focussed on the root causes of your problems. It also means I believe in you discovering your inner self, and all that can bring in the way of confidence and positivity.
This also means that I avoid advising and instructing clients in how they should think and behave, but rather I promote your self discovery, self awareness and understanding of both self and others.
What does Psychotherapeutic mean?
During our sessions together, we will clarify situations, highlight reality and start the process of self empowerment, self awareness, and gain understanding of both self and others. During this process of change we will gain a therapeutic counsellor/client relationship together. It allows for a trust and belief to be found, and a therapeutic healing will take place.
What can I expect when I attend?
In this first session I will want you to off load your immediate feelings, and I will ask for an opening statement that you feel explains the reason why you've chosen counselling.
I will tell you what I think we can achieve together so that you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to continue with counselling or look elsewhere for a different type of help.
The first two sessions are generally where doubts can creep in. Attending counselling can appear to be a daunting prospect, and I am fully aware of what it takes to make the decision to actually turn up to the first session.
That said, it is only then that you have made a real commitment to deal with your problems, and it is a decision that you must take yourself. Taking this first step is the beginning of gaining real change for yourself and can be very empowering.
I personally find that once clients get through this stage and start to realise what I can help with and how, they actually start to look forward to coming to future sessions.
What's expected of me the client?
For counselling to be effective, it needs your time and involvement. It isn't a case of turning up and being advised on how to live your life. My style of therapy isn't about masking problems by introducing new coping strategies, but rather a joint exploration and resolvement of your issues.
How long will I need to come for therapy?
Unfortunately I can't answer this question. Some counsellors offer short term or focussed therapy, and they generally state 6-8 weeks as being the norm before assessing any need for extra sessions.
I offer either open ended therapy that allows for a deeper exploration of your issues at your own pace, or sessions based short term therapy that allows for counselling that focusses purely on your current problem.
How and when does it finish?
When therapy is successful it will become apparent to us both that counselling is no longer needed. Once we both feel the time is right, I will summarise the work we have done. This allows for proof that the changes are real and permanent. It is when you can start trusting and believing in yourself.