I integrate various features from a number of different psychotherapeutic approaches, according to what I feel is most useful for my clients. I adopt techniques from the following types of therapy: Psychodynamic, Cognitive, Gestalt, Existential, Jungian and Transpersonal.
Some brief explanations of these types:
- The central principle within Psychodynamic theory is the recognition that our early years shape us. As children we receive information, from significant people and events, as if factual. An obstructive, damaging, distorted set of beliefs, values and views may ensue. Reassessment and reconstruction of them is required, so that they become in alignment with the adult's free choices and nature.
- Cognitive therapy is about recognizing one's negative and restrictive thoughts, making a conscious effort to question the truth and usefulness in such thoughts, and remembering to embrace more positive, constructive thinking instead.
- With Gestalt the idea is for a client to become fully aware of how he is right now in the present moment, the intention being to become aware of his common behaviour and therefore of what he'd like to alter.
- The emphasis of Existentialist thought is on the future and on a person finding out what is most valuable and meaningful to him personally.
- Jung and the individuation process: When we ask ourselves "Who am I apart from my history and the roles I have played?" (Quote from James Hollis's book 'The Middle Passage'), then we are on the way to uncovering our true sense of Self. The Transpersonal approach lends itself to locating the real identity of each person, the unique and phenomenal essence of an individual beyond the ego.
Above all, I follow my intuition when I am in the presence of my clients and with no set agendas I allow sessions, as with life, to unfold naturally.
