There are various therapeutic approaches to counselling. The following outlines the approaches that I have trained in, experienced, and studied and which help to shape me as a counsellor.
The Humanistic model and in particular Carl Rogers Person Centred Approach is the basis of my work. Rogers believed the development of the counselling relationship to be essential to the process and I facilitate this through the ‘Core Conditions’ he identified of Empathic Understanding, Unconditional Positive Regard and Congruence. Person-Centred therapy is about allowing a person to fulfil their potential, promoting inner strength and growth and the belief that they are the expert on their own experience and the therapist on theory only.
Breathing is such an essential part of our being and yet something which we are very unaware of. Paying attention to our breath, following it deep into our bodies and consciously releasing it can completely change how we are in any moment. We can learn to become aware of our breathing and use it at times when we feel stressed or overwhelmed. Connecting with the earth (grounding) and using meditation can also help us to gently work through the process and maintain balance.
Often our bodies give us the indications we need when memories or emotions are out of conscious reach. ‘Focusing’ is a method developed by Eugene Gendlin which refers to a process of connecting with and becoming aware of feelings that may have been cut off. Moments of acknowledging old/stuck feelings can allow them to evolve and be released.
CBT looks at how our thoughts impact our emotions and behaviour and I often integrate this approach into the work when it is appropriate. Looking at negative thought patterns and our ‘self talk’ can be very effective at changing how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. Learning and using particular coping skills can help to deal with stressful and overwhelming situations.
Gestalt (meaning whole or a completion) therapy focuses awareness in the ‘here and now’ and encourages experience of feelings in the present moment.
Using other methods such as body work and role play, you can become more aware of your own senses while taking responsibility and accepting the consequences
of your behaviour. Psychological and physical symptoms can arise when remain unresolved and unexpressed. Gestalt therapy focuses on alleviating unresolved feelings such as anger, pain, anxiety, resentment, using active expression in the present.
Alongside my counselling training, I have also studied and continue to study Spiritual Development and have integrated this into myself as a person and something which thereby shapes my work as a Counsellor. To me, being spiritually aware is about developing a sense of what it means to be human and to embrace what it is we are learning in this lifetime with our feet firmly planted in the earth. Spirituality is an individual process of growth and of connecting with a higher process. It is a belief that divinity is everywhere and in everything and that we are all parts of a larger whole, ultimately connected to each other. In essence it is a way to find meaning in our lives, to deepen our sense of ourselves, to connect with our purpose and with a higher consciousness.
