Methods of Work
Psychodynamic Counselling / Psychotherapy:
The psychodynamic model recognises that may of our actions and responses reflect the effects of our earliest experiences which affect our relationships and our perception of the present. Where the past provides a blueprint of behaviour for the present, our current behaviour may not appropriate or satisfying. Psychodynamic approaches aim to bring information from the past, which may have been repressed, into consciousness, so that it can inform, but not drive, our authentic living in the present.
Based on work by the Freud, Jung, Adler, Winnicott, Klein and many others in the analytic tradition, psychodynamic counselling provides a secure and supportive relationship within which the client can explore and understand their conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings and eventually reach some kind of integration between past and present.
The therapeutic relationship, particularly the transference and counter transference between client and counsellor, is central to this work.
Systemic:
There are many variations in Systemic Therapy in which a patient's symptoms are seen in the context of their wider family system and community network. For example an ‘acting out' adolescent may be seen as expressing a protective or stabilising function for the family or drawing attention to a different part of the system which needs addressing. A client who is showing signs of depression may be helped by understanding the symptom as a regulatory function within their couple relationship. By recognising the patterns it is then possible to help the individual, couple or family think differently about their situation, locate and utilise their strengths towards their goals. This approach can thus be considered as being Person Centred in that it pays particular importance to the unique characteristics of each person.
Narrative therapy as described by Michael White and David Epston, aims, by identifying unique outcomes, to help people reconnect with personal stories of their lives, redefining their relationship with the ‘ problem'. Externalisation is an approach that can help to separate the person from the problem thus providing more opportunity to describe themselves from non- problem saturated viewpoints.
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT)
In response to increasing demand for effective and professional cognitive counselling and psychotherapy services for a wide range of difficulties affecting individuals, children and families I trained in Advanced CBT skills and offer professional Cognitive Psychotherapy as a specific method of work, usually combining it with other methods for increased effectiveness.
Over the last twenty years Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has become an increasingly popular approach for helping people with a wide range of mental health problems. The reasons for the popularity of CBT are many. First, there are now many studies that show that the way people think and give meaning to events, affects their emotions and behaviours. More importantly, however, is the mounting research evidence for the effectiveness, of CBT. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the treatment of choice as recommended by NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence 2005/2006). www.nice.org.uk
Non-Directive Play Therapy:
People communicate in different ways and children often use play as their natural means to structure their worlds and to represent their inner experience. By paying attention to this communication, children can feel heard, understood, their ideas re-presented in a form that enables them to manage more effectively. In working with children it will usually be helpful to work with the parent(s) or carer for some of the sessions in a systemic mode.
Solution Focused:
People generally want to find solutions to their problems. By focusing on what will be different when the solution is found and by exploring possibilities for change, people can learn that alternative pathways towards the solution exist and change can sometimes occur within a few sessions.
Hypnosis:
Hypnosis has had a rich history as a treatment in itself and as an adjunct to psychotherapy. There is now a considerable amount of evidence that demonstrates the efficacy of hypnosis (or using imagination) for many medical and psychological conditions. It is generally accepted that there is an inextricable link between mind and body and the use of hypnosis has been supported as part of the treatment of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, pain relief, dermatological conditions, anxiety, asthma and many others.
Openness to experience, ability of absorption and positive expectations have been shown to be indicators of responsiveness to treatment. Imagination focused hypnosis has also seen a wide range of applications with children.
It will depend on assessment and your circumstances as to which approach will be best suited to your particular needs. An integrative model that combines aspects of differing approaches may be most applicable.
Code of Ethics and Practice
I abide by the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and by the Professional Conduct Procedure (BACP), the ethical codes of practice of BIH and BABCP.
I aim to ensure that all individuals and families receive equally favourable help irrespective of culture, race, sexual orientation, gender, religious persuasion or ability.
