Integrative therapy, rooted in my Counselling Psychology training, is guided by an existential-phenomenological framework, which focuses on the philosophy of experience and meaning. At its core, it emphasizes that "truth is relational"—highlighting the power of the therapeutic relationship as a central force for healing. Research has shown that the quality of this relationship is one of the most effective "curative factors" in therapy, and it’s something I deeply prioritize in my practice.
This approach recognizes that each person’s experience is unique and shaped by how they make sense of the world. Our distress is often intertwined with the personal meaning we give to life’s challenges. Integrative therapy values this individual perspective and aims to explore the meaning of your experiences without imposing a fixed framework or one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a flexible, holistic approach, tailored to meet your specific needs.
Integrative therapy combines a variety of therapeutic techniques, so I can adapt my approach based on what feels most helpful to you. For example, psychodynamic therapy helps us understand how past experiences might shape present difficulties, while Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the here-and-now, helping you challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. The "third-wave" therapies, which include mindfulness, emotion regulation, and acceptance-based approaches, are also part of my toolkit.
I draw on a range of modalities to address the challenges you’re facing, always with a focus on what’s most effective for you. My work is also informed by the latest neuroscientific research, along with integrative models like Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness practices, body awareness, and grounding techniques. At work with trauma I can also include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is widely recognized as an effective treatment for it. EMDR helps individuals process and heal from distressing memories by facilitating the brain’s natural ability to reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional charge and allowing for healthier emotional responses.
The use of different methods allows us to work together in a dynamic, collaborative way, staying rooted in evidence-based practices while remaining open to what best supports your personal journey.