Karen Doyle
What is Counselling
Being self-aware and having the capability to think and feel emotions with clarity and understanding is part and parcel of being human. Unlike animals, our thought processes rely on far more than instinct alone.
Because of this, there is scope for the way we think to become a problem and to affect our emotions. If we go back a few hundred years we can see that psychological issues were approached with fear and unnecessarily invasive treatments. Thanks to the evolution of science and technology we now have a clearer understanding of the human brain and are able to look at these issues in a different way.
Today, the art of talking therapies such as counselling are used to help people come to terms with any problems they are facing, with an ultimate aim of overcoming them. [extract from Counselling Directory]
The integrative model
Integrative therapy, or integrative counselling is a combined approach to psychotherapy that brings together different elements of specific therapies. Integrative therapists take the view that there is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations.
Some of the approaches I will bring to our sessions are:
Person Centered Therapy - This is at the heart of relationship building and will focus on a client's self value and self worth.
Psychodynamic Therapy - Here we will focus on early life experiences and difficulties that you may have experienced but not fully processed or resolved. By revisiting some of these experiences you will be encouraged to express thoughts and feelings that you have previously felt unable to do or maybe intentionally avoided. It is by acknowledgement and acceptance of the impact of these experiences, that we can then choose to embrace change.
Transactional Analysis - This theory focuses on relationships and how we relate and communicate with others. We will look at how we inherit our 'script' in life and the messages we receive as a child that contribute to this script. Being aware of our script and how we relate to different individuals, can result in healthier, happier relationships.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Focuses on our thoughts and feelings and how these can determine our actions. We will look at ways to interrupt the negative thought patterns by looking at the evidence behind them, enabling us to change them. There are various tools and techniques that may be introduced to help you outside of the counselling room. on The most important thing, is for me to provide a relationship where if you feel safe and comfortable to openly discuss the areas that are concerning you.
How Can Counselling Help
Counselling provides you with a safe, confidential, non judgemental environment where you are able to talk about situations that you may be finding challenging or where you may explore some of your more difficult past experiences and some of the feelings, emotions and physical sensations that may be connected to these. It can help you to explore patterns of relating and behaviour which in turn, can enable you to gain a better understanding of yourself. Being able to explore, acknowledge and accept situations and their impact on you, will contribute towards a developing self awareness, empowering you to make the changes you desire.
Counselling is NOT about your therapist giving you advice or telling you what to do!
Instead it is about encouraging, assisting and most importantly, supporting you to explore and work through difficulties that may be preventing you from living your life to the full. I can offer you the safe, welcoming, confidential space to allow you to do this.
