My approach to Psychotherapy
Individual therapy shaped to meet the individuals needs...
“also partly because it struck me, on my walk yesterday, that these moments of being of mine were scaffolding in the background: were the invisible and silent parts of my life as a child” .... Virginia Woolf
As an Integrative psychotherapist I believe that who we are and how we are in the world is shaped by our ongoing experiences. Likewise, what we believe about ourselves and others will be heavily influenced by the beliefs we developed at a very early age. As children we spend our time busily learning about ourselves, the world and the people in it. Our learning and subsequent beliefs will be shaped by the significant people around us, along with life events – the everyday occurrences as well as the major events. We may have learnt through observation (or what we were told), how we must behave in the world if we wish to be acceptable, and then creatively learnt to shut down on or conceal the feelings or needs which were considered ‘not ok’. This process is to be respected – it was a way in which we made a place for ourselves and managed uncomfortable feelings as a child. However, this can create difficulties for us in adult life. We may find that we have difficulty in asserting ourselves and asking for what we need without feeling ‘selfish’. Alternatively we might refuse to ever show pain or sadness, telling ourselves that these feelings are ‘stupid’ or ‘weak’, but then struggle to ever feel understood by others. We might reject or feel embarrassed by any form of praise, believing that we are ‘showing off’ and reminding ourselves that ‘pride comes before a fall’, or we might have an ever present sense of guilt for no apparent reason..
The beliefs that we developed as a child can restrict us as adults and prevent us from living a fulfilling life. They have an impact on our relationships as well as our self esteem. Psychotherapy can help to unravel some of these beliefs and develop a healthy curiosity, and then question the appropriateness and relevance of those beliefs in our lives as adults.
My style of working as an Integrative Psychotherapist is informed by a range of therapeutic approaches, such as...
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy involves focussing on past experiences in particular childhood relationships with parents, family members and other significant people. It attempts to help us develop an awareness of how this has shaped our sense of self and our relationships with others. The therapeutic relationship will be an important factor in the development of this awareness.
Relational Therapy pays attention to the here and now relationship between therapist and client. It places great importance on the development of an authentic relationship which is supportive and strengthening, offering the client the safety to express powerful feelings and the opportunity for empowerment and growth.
Gestalt Psychotherapy involves focussing on, through mutual dialogue between therapist and client, the individual developing awareness of himself, his life and how he interacts with the world. The here and now awareness within the therapeutic encounter can result in a greater understanding of how the individual thinks and feels in certain situations. This awareness can result in choice and the opportunity to experiment with doing things differently, whilst also encouraging self acceptance.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) pays most attention to the present and the future. How we feel about ourselves and our subsequent behaviour, can be heavily influenced by unhelpful thinking patterns. CBT encourages exploration of how we think with a view to developing skills to challenge destructive and unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Transactional Analysis aims to develop an understanding of how we think, feel and behave. This involves the analysis and awareness of the transactions that occur both internally and with others. This can help to develop an understanding of how problems can occur in relationships, as well as within ourselves (for instance low self esteem) and how changes can be made.
If you should have any questions regarding either the above information or my approach please do not hesitate to contact me.
