Tools & Techniques

In counselling, the relationship between client and counsellor is an essential part of the process.  I focus on establishing a positive working relationship because I know therapy is only effective when my clients feel safe, understood, respected and accepted without judgement. 

As an Integrative Therapist I am trained in a range of evidence-based methods.  I follow a holistic approach that is led by each client’s individual needs. I pay close attention to which “relational needs” are being met and which are not. Relational needs are our emotional needs and they are different from our functional everyday needs.  Unmet relational needs are often the root of so many of life’s problems. 

​Strengthening resilience is a core focus of my work, so too is empowerment.  While I will set out therapy options for my clients, I encourage them to make their own choices and to put those choices into action.

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My Core Approaches

Person-centred Therapy
​This is non-directive therapy which encourages clients to discover their own solutions, facilitated and guided by the counsellor’s professional help. It is an excellent approach for building self-confidence, strengthening identity and improving interpersonal relationships. It blends well with other therapies and is my core way of working with all of my clients.

Psychodynamic Therapy
This is an in-depth therapy based on psychoanalysis theories. It encourages deep exploration of early experiences and repressed emotions. I use psychodynamic principles to help clients understand how emotions attached to early experiences are affecting their current relationships, thoughts and behaviours. This therapy blends well with other therapies.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
​This is a solution focused therapy. It uses treatment plans to treat problems and bring about positive change to dysfunctional patterns of thinking, behaving and emotionally reacting. CBT encourages clients to challenge their unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving. CBT uses tools, tasks and strategies to identify, and test the validity of, problem issues and core beliefs. It is a particularly effective approach for many anxiety and depression based disorders. It blends well with other therapies.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) also known as Tapping: 
​Belonging to the field of Energy Psychology, EFT combines psychology with Chinese Acupressure.  It is a scientifically proven technique backed up by research. (98% of over 100 studies and clinical trials, found EFT to be effective). 

EFT brings about positive changes in our neurochemistry, neuroplasticity and memory consolidation.  Effectively, it changes our biochemistry by decreasing the stress hormone cortisol and increasing the levels of feel good hormones like serotonin and dopamine which are essential for mood regulation. 

​In a nutshell, combining tapping with psychology can "neutralise" the emotional intensity of the specific issue being dealt with.
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It can be particularly helpful for anxiety, PTSD, Sleep disorders, Phobias, Pain Management and for general relaxation. I have a significant number of client cases to personally back up these claims. ​

Creative Techniques: 
​I use Sand Tray therapy and Small Animal therapy for clients of any age. I use Russian Dolls for a wide variety of uses. I have puppets which prove popular with younger clients. I am a trained Lego therapist which is great for social relationship work. I will always have a sketch pad to hand to use imagery to help clients express themselves.  I use guided meditation extensively with my clients for relaxation and to reduce anticipatory anxiety. This list of creative ways of working could go on! ​