My approach

Integrative psychotherapy with a relational and developmental focus

The end of a yellow sofa

Integrative

Lots of people mean lots of different things when they describe themselves as being an ‘integrative’ psychotherapist. In my experience, this often means some form of eclecticism, choosing from a broad and often unrelated set of theories and interventions on the basis of ‘what works’ or ‘what fits’ in the moment. This is not what I mean.

My approach integrates theory and practice which fit together, have a common purpose, and retain a clear focus on the relational and developmental aspects of being human, experiencing difficulties, and making change.

I have included relevant introductory references at the bottom of the page for psychotherapy students and anyone interested in more detail. You definitely do not have to read any of these before starting psychotherapy.

Humanistic values

Underneath the variety of ideas and approaches I integrate are my ‘core beliefs’ which I feel are best summarised as humanistic values:

  • Every human being has essential worth

  • No-one is either good or bad, we all have the potential for both

  • We all have the capacity to choose

  • People are responsible for themselves

  • People have the power to change and grow

  • Human beings are whole entities within the totality of their environment

  • The truth about the nature of human beings is multifaceted

Relational

I believe that we are inherently relational beings, and as such we have the following relational needs:

  • security

  • validation, affirmation, and significance within a relationship

  • acceptance by a stable, dependable, and protective other person

  • confirmation of personal experience

  • self-definition

  • having an impact on the other person

  • having the other initiate

  • expressing love

Unconscious process

As well as the choices we make and the things that we do that we are all aware of, I believe that there is another realm to our human experience, one that we can not be directly aware of yet continually influences us. This is the world of unconscious process.

Perhaps the most familiar example here is Transference, here we react and respond to one situation (or person) as if we are facing a similar situation from our past.

This also leads to unconscious attempts to have our needs met through idealizing others, seeking mirroring, and also twinship.

Developmental

Developmental theory attempts to describe how we grow up into being the person we are, and what we need along the way.

I believe that what happened to us throughout our childhood and formative years matters, and is relevant to the problems and difficulties we face as adults.

References and further reading

  • Bollas, C. (2018). The shadow of the object: Psychoanalysis of the unthought known.

  • Clarkson, P. (2003). The therapeutic relationship (2nd ed.). Whurr.

  • Erskine, R. G., Moursund, J., & Trautmann, R. L. (1999). Beyond empathy: A therapy of contact-in-relationship. Brunner/Mazel.

  • Erskine, R. G. (2010). Life scripts a transactional analysis of unconscious relational patterns. Karnac.

  • Kohut, H. (1971). The analysis of the self: A systematic approach to the psychoanalytic treatment of narcissistic personality disorders. The University of Chicago Press.

  • Racker, H. (1968). Transference and counter-transference. Maresfield Reprints.

  • Stern, D. N. (1985). The interpersonal world of the infant—A view from psychoanalysis and developmental psychology. Karnac Books.

  • Whitton, E. (2003). Humanistic approach to psychotherapy. Whurr.