I was initially trained in three major approaches to psychotherapy, and although I have attended regular training since then, this is where I started.
My ‘roots’
Psychodynamic
Explores how our past influences our present.
Existentialism
Explores how we relate to the big questions of life, or the fundamental limitations of our existence.
Person-centred
Focuses on the relationship between the therapist and client, specifically how the therapist is towards the client (accepting, warm, non-judgmental) and has a deep faith in the client’s capacity for healing and change.
Since then, I have read deeply and widely into gender, sexuality, trauma, somatic approaches and nervous system regulation, feminist counselling (which locates our distress in living in systems that harm or oppress us rather than pathologising the self), mindfulness and self-compassion.
In practice
But what does all this look like in the therapy room?
I draw on my theoretical ‘roots’ lightly in session. I don’t think it would be particularly helpful to expound in sessions on the theories that underpin my questions and thoughts (although I will of course if asked!), but what it means is that the way I work – the questions I ask, the positions I take – these are rooted in traditions of therapeutic interventions that are bigger than me. The theory frames my interventions, and holds me in trusting that we can find the answers together.
Most research says that the most important ingredient in healing humans is building a trusting, valuing connection in which you, the client, can talk deeply and openly about what is troubling you. It is only then that we can begin to figure out what it is that will help you specifically, as everyone is different and unique and needs something different.
Sometimes it takes time to build the relationship and to get to know each other, and sometimes the connection happens quickly. Either way, it is important to find the best fit for you. Someone you can be honest with, and someone you can trust.
Get in touch for a free 20 minute, no obligation, consultation.
a space to reflect 