I believe that each individual has unique experiences, with unique needs and wants, and these can be tackled in different ways. I work primarily from an existential and ontological perspective, and I also combine phenomenological, psychodynamic and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) principles. I would be better described as an integrative counsellor; this means that I believe that there isn’t just one therapeutic approach to help you in every situation, and as such I use several different approaches to help you explore and cope with your struggles. In my therapy, I aim to create a strong therapeutic relationship through validation, acknowledgement and empathy. I offer a non-judgemental space where you can feel safe so that healing can take place and new choices can be explored.
Below you can find a description of the different frameworks that I work with:
Existential therapy: This is a type of therapy that focuses on helping clients explore and make sense of their experiences of the fundamental dilemmas of human existence, such as death, meaninglessness, and freedom.
Ontological therapy: This is a type of therapy that focuses on helping clients explore their sense of self and the nature of their being. It aims to help clients gain insight into how they are creating their experience of themselves and the world around them, and to make conscious choices about how they want to live.
Phenomenology: This is a branch of philosophy that emphasises the study of subjective experience and consciousness. In therapy, a phenomenological approach involves exploring a client’s subjective experience of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations in order to gain insight into their unique perspective on the world.
Psychodynamics: This is a theoretical framework that emphasises the role of unconscious thoughts and feelings in shaping behaviour. Psychodynamic therapy aims to help clients uncover and work through unconscious conflicts.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): This is a type of therapy that emphasises mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action. ACT encourages clients to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than trying to control or eliminate them, and to take action in line with their values rather than being driven by anxiety or avoidance.