Person-Centred
As an integrative counsellor, I work mostly from a person-centred approach, looking at the way individuals perceive themselves. This approach views human beings as having a natural tendency to develop to their full potential. This ability may have been shut off by certain life experiences which affect our sense of value and worth. I offer a safe, comforting environment with complete genuineness and a non-judgmental manner in order to value and understand your experience.
CBT
I also work with CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which is based on five interconnected areas which affect one another: situations, thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and behaviour. How you feel about a particular situation may cause emotional and physical feelings resulting in varying behaviours. CBT examines each aspect to give complete attention to each part. We look at negative thought patterns and seek to change them into a more positive approach to managing daily life.
Psychodynamic
I also use a psychodynamic approach, which involves gaining an insight of the emotional and mental process rather than focusing on behaviour. The aim is to help the client find patterns in their thoughts, emotions and beliefs in order to gain insight into the present-day self. These patterns are often found to begin in childhood, since psychodynamic theory holds that early life experiences are extremely influential in the psychological development and functioning of an adult. My aim is to help you join the dots between your past experiences and your current difficulties, and to find and enlist your internal resources to address them.