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My Approach

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As an Integrative Counsellor I work with a holistic, client led approach that takes into account that human beings function in five different but inter-related ways; physically, emotionally, spiritually, behaviourally and rationally. In therapy with myself you will be able to gain self awareness on how these ways are connected and be more integrated and whole.

 

Establishing a therapeutic relationship with you I believe is a key for any progress to be made. Part of being integrative is offering you what I call a ‘toolbox’ of ways to help you tell your story as different points of your therapeutic process may require a different approach. Therapy is tailored to the needs of each person.

 

Attachment theory (early childhood attachment experiences) and Psychodynamic theory (how the past affects the present) inform my approach.

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“It’s been my experience, Langford, that the past always has a way of returning. Those who don’t learn, or can’t remember it, are doomed to repeat it.”

Steve Berry, The Charlemagne Pursuit (Cotton Malone, #4)

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I believe that gaining an understanding of how your past has affected you will empower you to make different choices in the present, so that you can have a different future. History does not need to repeat itself. This will take time to do; there is no quick fix. It may have taken you months, weeks, years or decades to become the way you are now, so it is important to be patient with yourself and give yourself permission to understand.

 

“You cannot always control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.” 

Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search For Meaning

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  • Person Centred Therapy
    There are three basic principles; ‘Congruence’ – being genuine and authentic, ‘Unconditional Positive Regard’ – deep and genuine care, an attitude of ‘I’ll accept you as you are’, and ‘Empathy’ – understanding your feelings and experience in the here and now.
  • Narrative Therapy
    Narrative therapy seeks to help you understand you are the author of your story. It seeks to help you look at your issues and you have contributed to the them, and how you can re-author your story in a different way to see and live your future differently. It is a collaborative approach where I do not view myself as the expert but believe that you have the ability to change your story.
  • Creative Approaches
    Sometimes words cannot fully express the way you want to tell your story. I offer you a variety of creative ways of helping you bring your story and it’s meaning to life, such as pictures, toys, drawing, writing and story telling, to help us both gain a better understanding. You are also welcome to bring your own creative ideas into your sessions.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    This approach looks at how your thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms and behaviour relate to one another.
  • Brief Solution Focussed Therapy
    This approach is more goal orientated and focuses on your desire to change. I will ask you questions to help you look at the strengths and resources you already have to achieve your goals.
  • Internal Family Systems: Level 1 Trained
    Have you ever said, “A part of me wants to do this, but another part of me wants to do that?” In conjunction with creative ways of working, I offer you a space to explore these ‘parts.’
  • Christian Approaches
    For those with a Christian faith and wish to integrate a Christian approach to their therapy, I seek to understand your Christian experience and work with you to understand how the spiritual, physical, emotional, behavioural and volitional sides of you relate together. I draw aspects of this approach from the CWR Integrative Model of Christian Counselling.
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