What does Humanistic mean?

 

Humanistic Counselling or Humanistic Talking Therapy is a type of therapy that considers each client as a whole person, a unique individual, and an expert on themselves. Typically, Humanistic counselling looks beyond any medical diagnoses and tries to understand everything that makes up ‘you’ instead of just looking at your label. Every client has the potential and the inner desire to develop themselves (even if it’s really deep down), as a Humanistic Counsellor I try to facilitate the best environment for positive change.

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My training combines the Humanistic viewpoints and treatment approaches of Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt Therapy and Existentialism, as well as any relevant techniques that enhance the therapeutic relationship.

 

What does Integrative mean?

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Integrative therapy means the therapist has a bigger tool box and applies what’s relevant.

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To be honest, most counsellors are integrative these days and counselling services are becoming more and more integrated. It means that the counsellor practises in a particular style e.g. ‘Humanistic’ but they also integrate techniques and knowledge from other schools of counselling and psychotherapies. For example, if a client wanted to talk about dreams then I might integrate my knowledge of dreamwork from psychodynamic counselling. However, because I am a Humanistic counsellor at my core then I would always apply that lens to how I look at it – meaning I would do my best to empower you to understand your own dreams and I would avoid analysing or interpreting for you.

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It is also worth mentioning here that I will not integrate skills and techniques that I haven’t been taught to use in a safe and thorough way. It is the duty of all counsellors to be safe and ethical.

 

What other types of therapy are there?

 

Traditionally in the UK there are three main types of counselling or talking therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy and Humanistic Therapy.

 

CBT is usually what’s favoured by the NHS. It is generally offered in 6 sessions, it is solution-focused and can work well with anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anger problems and Depression. Rather than looking at past causes, it focuses on current problems and practical solutions to help you feel better now. It typically uses written exercises and homework to help you develop practical strategies.

 

Psychodynamic Therapy has roots in the work of Freud and Jung. It tends to be a longer term therapy and might involve in-depth emotional exploration. The aim of Psychodynamic therapy is to bring unconscious things into your awareness in order to heal and overcome ingrained defence mechanisms.

 

There are other types of therapy available in the UK such as Transactional Analysis, EMDR and Trauma therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy as well as Art Therapies. A good guide to types of therapy can be found on the BACP website: https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/

 

I’ve had therapy before and I didn’t like it. How do I know you’re the right therapist for me?

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Fair question. The short answer is that you don’t. I’m sorry to hear that you had a negative experience of counselling or therapy before, it means that the trust between you and a therapist in the future is now a little shaky. But if you are interested in doing this kind of work to improve your mental health then it is proven to be very effective and you just need to give it a try with someone new.

 

How effective? Does it work?

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Well, as you can imagine, that is a big question that doesn’t have a simple answer. The short answer is yes, it is does work. It is generally understood that talking therapies are just as effective as medication to treat mental ill health, and that talking therapies have a longer lasting effect. If you are taking antidepressant medication then it is advised to use talking therapies to manage the process of reducing your dosage, if and when you want to do that, in order to have long lasting positive change. The two key factors that make any talking therapy effective are: the therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor and the client’s willingness to create positive change.

 

You’re my Therapist. Where can I find more information about you?

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Right here! This is where you will find most information about me online at the moment. I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means you can also find my information registered with this governing body. Being a part of the BACP means that I must uphold the ethical guidelines of this governing body at all times.

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It is useful as a client to read the BACP Ethical Framework to read the professional standards and my commitment to clients: https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/

 

If you ever feel that I am unprofessional or not meeting the BACP standards then you can complain via my workplace placement provider or to the BACP.

 

Can I contact you?

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At the moment contact information is only available via my workplace providers. If you are my client please refer to the information you have received privately.