Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

I have been deeply influenced by Prof Todd Dubose, whose work on 'therapoetic care' changed the way I view therapy. He teaches how to hold space for others in a way that creates a certain type of...

I have been deeply influenced by Prof Todd Dubose, whose work on 'therapoetic care' changed the way I view therapy. He teaches how to hold space for others in a way that creates a certain type of 'clearing', where a person's 'lived meaning' can then unfold. It is a non-pathologising way of working, where what is seen by some other therapies as 'symptoms to fix', are instead seen as phenomena that we can follow and heed. This is a hermeneutical-phenomenological approach to therapeutic care.

I have a natural affinity with the 'person-centred' approach pioneered by Carl Rogers, who believed that people have an innate 'self-actualising' tendency. In his view the therapist's role is simply...

I have a natural affinity with the 'person-centred' approach pioneered by Carl Rogers, who believed that people have an innate 'self-actualising' tendency. In his view the therapist's role is simply to be present, empathetic and show positive regard. This allows the client's true self to emerge. I am also guided by classic psychoanalytic thinkers. I respect their theories of mind, and I resonate with the significance they place on early experience, early attachments, repressions and resistances, and the good/bad 'objects' we inherit from others. I think strong theoretical models, held loosely, are essential for consistent, productive work and hold the greatest potential for insight and healing.

I am a humanistic practitioner with a strong belief in our common humanity and deep compassion for every being. In my work I strive to provide unconditional positive regard and non-judgement, and...

I am a humanistic practitioner with a strong belief in our common humanity and deep compassion for every being. In my work I strive to provide unconditional positive regard and non-judgement, and display genuine caring for my clients. Having experienced the loss of many significant people, beginning with my mother when I was just 24, I also have an interest in existential therapy. My work with clients often delves into what it means to live life with meaning and purpose.

My holistic counselling and psychotherapy studies were founded on Jungian philosophy and process oriented psychology. My own personal beliefs align with these approaches and I add my own spiritual...

My holistic counselling and psychotherapy studies were founded on Jungian philosophy and process oriented psychology. My own personal beliefs align with these approaches and I add my own spiritual perspective and understanding developed through experience and personal study. I believe our organism is designed to heal and has innate wisdom to guide its own healing, but that 'things' can get in the way of that healing taking place. In the metaphysical aspects, as therapy attends to, that is often other metaphysical aspects of ourselves, though these can be reflected in our external world as well. Therapy under that philosophy becomes a process of seeking self understanding and acceptance, and can entail practical adjustments in our external lives to support internal work. Trauma informed practice is incredibly important for all health practitioners, but especially for any kind of psychotherapeutic practitioner. This is a strong underpinning in my approach to therapy.

Because I come from a sociology background I am greatly influenced by the bio-psycho-social approach to therapy. This means that I look beyond the person, their thoughts and behaviour and see the...

Because I come from a sociology background I am greatly influenced by the bio-psycho-social approach to therapy. This means that I look beyond the person, their thoughts and behaviour and see the social systems that they interact in and how these may be impacting their mental wellbeing. I also focus on their physical health to determine if it may in some way contribute to or be a result of what is happening for them mentally. Looking at the big picture provides clues for addressing the presenting problem/s that might otherwise be missed.