Integrative counselling draws on theory and techniques from different types of therapy to tailor an approach specifically for you.

As integrative counsellors we believe there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help a client in all situations. Instead, they take into account you as an individual, your circumstances and use elements of different approaches to help you explore and cope with your problems.

The integrative approach may include elements of person-centred therapy. This focuses on you rather than the counsellor being the expert and aims to help you reach your full potential. Your therapist will help you achieve that by accepting and valuing you, being honest and transparent with you and offering you unconditional positive regard.

Your therapist may draw on psychodynamic therapy. This involves helping you to bring your unconscious, what is outside of your awareness, into your conscious mind. It helps you become more aware of what’s in your unconscious, such as difficult memories and experiences, so you can understand how these deep-rooted feelings impact on you in the present and how you can learn to cope with them.

The therapist might bring in elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This looks at your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and helps you to change some of these where they are unhelpful using a variety of practical strategies and tools, such as journaling.

And, if appropriate for you, your therapist may bring in elements of other approaches too.