Integrative Approach

What is it and how can it help?

Integrative Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that combines different therapeutic approaches to tailor the therapy to meet someone’s unique needs. It is based on the belief that one approach may not be suited to every person. It is personalised depending on what you are bringing to therapy.

An integrative approach may look different depending on your therapist’s qualifications, skills and experience. As I am trained in Drama Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, these are the main modalities I will draw upon. We will work together to understand the source of your difficulties, consider your needs and the direction of therapy.

I may also draw upon, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory and Somatic and Embodied Healing. I have completed further training and experiential learning in these approaches and theories, and I firmly believe in their power to bring about meaningful change. 

I have given a brief outline of what these approaches and theories mean below:

Integrative Psychotherapy

Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT):
CFT can be helpful for people who struggle with shame and self-criticism. It is based on a theory of three systems that regulate emotions: the threat system, the drive system and the soothing system. Techniques from CFT can help you develop more compassion for yourself and others.

Polyvagal Theory (PVT):
PVT is based on the relationship between our nervous system and psychological experiences. It is founded on neuroscientific, evolutionary and psychological concepts. You may have heard of flight, fight, freeze or fawn responses; polyvagal theory views these as the way the body tries to protect itself from real or perceived danger. We can work on creating a felt sense of safety.

Attachment Theory (AT):
AT is a psychological and evolutionary theory based on the importance of the development of early relationships and bonds between infants and caregivers. These early bonds can impact our relationship with ourselves and others into adulthood. An attachment style is not fixed; it can evolve through new experiences or by reflecting on past ones.

Psychodynamic Theory (PT):
Key concepts in PT include the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences. PT involves allowing space for subconscious processes, inviting memories and experiences which may be below the surface, to be made conscious. This can allow an understanding of how they may be impacting you in the here and now and give you choice and control over your relationship with them.

Somatic and Embodied Healing: (SEH):
SEH focuses on the mind-body connection. It allows the wisdom of the body and the knowledge it holds to facilitate embodied healing. Through safety, connection and self-awareness, we can identify and release distress, better regulate emotions and release trauma stored in the body.

Healing In Action: What does a session look like?

You’ve got this far and feel like an Integrative Approach is something you might find helpful, but you are curious about what it may look like in practice. Here’s a general outline of what to expect in a session, though it’s important to know that this structure is flexible and can be adapted to fit your unique needs. 

Integrative Approach

Beginning

The session will be structured around your needs and preferences. We will begin by checking in and setting a focus. We will determine together the most suitable approach for what you are bringing to the session and what you feel you need at the time.

Middle

This part of the session involves exploring and processing a theme or issue in more depth. It may involve emotional processing, cognitive work, the use of creative interventions, experiential techniques or learning new coping skills. We may explore past and present experiences and the impact they are having in the here and now. 

Ending

This part of the session is for reflection on what we have discussed or what you have experienced. We may use grounding techniques such as breathing, movement or visualisation before transitioning towards the end.

Get In Touch

If you feel this is an approach that you would find helpful – get in touch today! 

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change. - Carl Rogers

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