Welcome to focused minds counselling services
Integrative Therapy
Integrative counselling draws on techniques from different types of therapy to tailor an approach specifically for you
An integrative counsellor believes there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help a client
An integrative counsellor believes there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help a client in all situations. Instead, they take into account you as an individual and your circumstances, and use elements of different approaches to help you explore and cope with your problems (BACP, 2024)
From my experience, every client is unique, so one form of therapy may work for some but not for others.
What does an integrative counsellor do?
The integrative approach may include elements of person-centred therapy. This focuses on you rather than the counsellor being the expert on yourself and aims to help you reach your full potential. Your therapist will help you achieve that by accepting and valuing you, being honest and transparent with you and offering you unconditional positive regard.
Your therapist may draw on psychodynamic therapy. This involves helping you to bring your subconscious - what is just below the surface of your awareness - into your conscious mind. It helps you become more aware of what’s in your subconscious, such as difficult memories and experiences, so you can understand how these deep-rooted feelings impact on you in the present and how you can learn to cope with them.
The therapist might bring in elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This looks at your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and helps you to change some of these where they are unhelpful, using a variety of practical strategies and tools, such as journaling.
And, if appropriate for you, your therapist may bring in elements of other approaches too (BACP, 2024)